Factors affecting sustainable development among leaders of rural community: A case study of Malaysia

Abstract

Rural development researchers have identified a number of factors that affect sustainable development
among the rural community. Nevertheless, mix results were reported in literature. Hence, this study was
conducted to investigate on the constructs that affect sustainable development among members of
Village Development and Security Committee (VDSC) under the Vision Village Movement (VVM). A total
of 235 respondents from 18 villages were involved encompassing three states in Malaysia. The final
model derived from this study showed that four pertinent constructs that fit into the sustainable
development model are spirituality, leadership, beautification, and education. It is believed that the
findings of this study would add new perspective in understanding the complexities associated with
sustainable development among the rural community.