The Impact of Digital Leadership and Communication Transparency on Malaysian Companies’ Corporate Competitiveness: The Mediating Role of Participative Decision-Making

Seah, Kar Yin (2026) The Impact of Digital Leadership and Communication Transparency on Malaysian Companies’ Corporate Competitiveness: The Mediating Role of Participative Decision-Making. Masters thesis, Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology.

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Abstract

The rapid progress of the digital age has fundamentally changed how corporations operate, making it essential for these entities to adapt to remain competitive. This research investigates the impact of digital leadership and communication transparency on the corporate competitiveness of Malaysian companies. Specifically, it examines the role of participative decision-making in linking these leadership qualities to a corporation's overall market success. While digital tools are now common, the manner in which leaders utilise them to build a lasting advantage for a corporate entity remains a critical factor. To achieve these objectives, a quantitative study was conducted using a cross-sectional method, surveying employees from various sectors across Malaysia. The data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences 25.0 (SPSS) and Partial Least Square -Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) through SmartPLS 4.0. The findings demonstrate that digital leadership and communication transparency significantly improve a corporate entity’s ability to compete. Furthermore, the results show that participative decision-making serves as a vital link, suggesting that digital leadership and communication transparency are most effective when they empower employees to contribute to the corporate direction. These insights indicate that corporate leaders must not only be skilled with technology but also foster an open environment where information is shared freely and employee input is valued. This study provides practical guidance for corporations in Malaysia looking to strengthen their market position through modern and inclusive leadership strategies.