The Dynamics of Adaptive Leadership in the Local Creative Industry: A Case Study of the Artisan Community in the Rural Batik Center

Abstract

Local creative industries in rural areas play a crucial role in supporting community economies and preserving cultural heritage. However, the rapid impacts of globalization, digitalization, and crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic have exposed the limited understanding of how leadership within these communities adapts to ongoing social, technological, and economic changes. Addressing this gap, this study explores the dynamics of adaptive leadership among batik artisan communities in rural batik centers, emphasizing how local leaders manage transformation processes amid complex challenges. Employing a descriptive qualitative approach and case study method, data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and community documentation. Findings indicate that effective adaptive leadership is characterized by the ability to build trust, foster collective participation, and bridge the gap between tradition and innovation. This study contributes to the theoretical understanding of leadership in rural creative sectors by highlighting contextual adaptive strategies, and offers practical implications for policymakers and community development practitioners in designing leadership training and support programs tailored to local cultural contexts. Overall, this research underscores the importance of fostering resilient leadership to sustain and empower community-based creative industries in rural settings.