Sustainability Reporting in Cambodia: Challenges and Prospects

Abstract

This study explores the challenges and prospects of sustainability reporting (SR) in Cambodia, addressing a significant gap in the existing literature. Its primary goals are to identify the difficulties Cambodian companies encounter in adopting SR, examine the benefits these practices offer, and provide recommendations for improvement. To achieve these objectives, the study employs purposive sampling to select participants from various sectors across Cambodia. Data is gathered through semi-structured interviews and online surveys and analyzed using thematic analysis and triangulation techniques. The findings reveal several key obstacles to effective SR, including limited awareness among businesses, the absence of standardized reporting guidelines, and difficulties in data management. In response, the study presents practical recommendations to enhance SR, such as raising awareness, establishing clear reporting frameworks, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, improving data management processes, and encouraging SMEs to participate in SR. Acknowledging its limitations, the study notes the relatively small sample size and reliance on interviews and surveys, suggesting that future research should include larger and more diverse datasets as well as longitudinal studies to gain deeper insights. Ultimately, this research contributes to the advancement of SR in Cambodia, offering valuable perspectives for businesses, policymakers, and other stakeholders