Human Resource Management for Cambodian Small Business Owners

Insights from CEO Master Club and an Invitation to Grow

        Small businesses in Cambodia do not struggle only with capital or market access. One of the most persistent and difficult challenges is people—how to recruit, develop, motivate, and align teams so the business can grow sustainably. People are the greatest asset of any enterprise, yet without strong human resource management (HRM), they can also become the greatest source of operational risk.

        Below are practical reflections shared by Cambodian business owners who attended the “Human Resource Management for Business Owners” training under CEO Master Club. Their voices highlight common HR issues across sectors and demonstrate why structured learning in HRM is a critical investment for business leaders.

1. Long-Serving Staff Who Resist Learning and Knowledge Transfer

        Ms. Chao Bun Kheng (also known as Alisa), owner of Chao Bunna Funeral Services, described a challenge familiar to many established enterprises: long-serving employees with strong technical skills but limited willingness to adapt or mentor others. She noted that employees with 20–30 years of tenure often “know everything” in their own way, but may be reluctant to teach new staff or update their practices. Even when the company invests in training, some employees prefer to remain in a comfort zone and avoid personal growth.

        This pattern creates a strategic bottleneck. Experience becomes isolated in individuals rather than converted into systems and shared standards. Over time, service quality stagnates, new talent cannot develop, and the business risks falling behind competitors. HRM provides tools to address this—through performance expectations, learning culture, mentoring structures, and incentives that make growth a shared responsibility.

2. Unclear Roles Lead to Repeated Operational Difficulties

           Mr. Mean Sophanith, owner of M Auto Plus, emphasized that many workplace problems stem from the lack of role clarity. When employees do not fully understand their responsibilities, tasks are duplicated or neglected, accountability becomes weak, and managers are forced to intervene in routine operations.

        CEO Master Club’s HRM training focuses on building organizational structure, writing clear job descriptions, setting measurable targets, and creating simple reporting lines. These practices reduce confusion, protect productivity, and allow owners to lead strategically instead of constantly resolving preventable issues.

3. Low Collaboration and Frequent Conflict Weaken the Team

           Ms. Lo Sreychea, owner of K C INOX, shared another widespread concern: employees who do not cooperate and who frequently experience conflict. Internal friction erodes trust, slows operations, and creates a stressful environment that is visible to customers.

           Professional Human Resource Management equips leaders to set behavioral standards, improve communication, resolve conflicts early, and build a culture of mutual responsibility. A cohesive team is not built by chance; it is built by leadership, systems, and consistent reinforcement.

Why Human Resource Management Matters for Business Growth

           These three reflections point to a single conclusion: HRM is not an administrative function—it is a growth strategy. As a business expands, the owner cannot succeed alone. Sustainable scale requires people who are competent, aligned, and committed, supported by clear systems.

When business owners understand HRM, they can:

·      Develop teams that learn and improve continuously.

·      Clarify responsibilities and reduce costly operational errors.

·      Strengthen collaboration and protect workplace culture.

·      Increase productivity without increasing owner workload.

·       Build a company that can grow beyond the founder’s daily presence.

An Invitation to Join CEO Master Club

           CEO Master Club is a professional community for Cambodian entrepreneurs who want to lead with clarity and build businesses that last. The Club provides practical training, peer learning, and a credible network of owners facing similar challenges.

        If you recognize these HR realities in your own business, you are not alone—and you do not have to solve them through trial and error. With the right guidance, your people can become your strongest driver of growth.

        Join CEO Master Club to strengthen your leadership, master human resource management, and take your business to its next stage of sustainable success.