Abstract
Welcome to Volume 22.2 of the APJMRI. This issue curates a robust synthesis of research situated at the dynamic intersection of organizational behavior, digital financial transformation, economic empowerment and corporate ethics. The collective expertise of our contributors is reflected in the methodological rigour and thematic depth of the studies presented, offering highly relevant insights for both academic discourse and industry practices. As we navigate a rapidly shifting global and domestic landscape, this collection examines how human psychology, technological disruption and ethical governance are reshaping our modern institutions.
Dealing with the human element in organizational behaviour, it was found that the foundation of the contemporary workplace rests fundamentally on the psychological well-being and emotional acumen of its workforce. This issue features two distinct studies exploring these vital dimensions.
The first study deals with emotional intelligence as a universal asset, challenging traditional assumptions regarding gender and emotional capability. This study employs the Goleman and Boyatzis model to assess emotional intelligence. Based on data from 122 respondents across 18 core competencies, the research reveals no significant gender-based disparities in overall emotional intelligence, with a minor exception in conflict management. Ultimately, the findings establish emotional intelligence as a universally accessible skill that transcends gender constructs. Its second part, ‘work–life balance and organizational commitment’, is contextualized within the high pressure in the IT sector of Uttar Pradesh, examining professionals operating across five major tech hubs. The research identifies job satisfaction as a critical mediator between work–life harmony and organisational commitment. It serves as a compelling directive for corporate leaders to cultivate a sustainable work–life balance, which not merely benefits an employee but is also a strategic imperative for fostering dedication and long-term well-being.
The next very important extravaganza with navigating India’s digital financial ecosystem explores the transition from the workplace to the broader economy, capturing both the macro-level systemic shifts and the micro-level consumer behaviours driving India’s profound digital revolution. Further, it visualises the trajectory of digital financial transformation propelled by innovations such as UPI, artificial intelligence and blockchain technology and contemplates India’s financial delivery infrastructure as a radical reconfiguration. This comprehensive qualitative review illuminates the successes in empowering MSMEs and democratising financial access, while critically addressing systemic vulnerabilities. Notably, while cyber fraud remains an urgent concern, early data from 2025 indicate a promising downward trend driven by strengthened cybersecurity protocols and proactive public awareness campaigns.
The next topic, ‘next-generation adoption of payment banks’, zooms-in on consumer engagement and evaluates the awareness and perception of payment banks among younger demographics in Tamil Nadu. The findings highlight a landscape of moderate awareness dominated by prominent entities such as India’s Post Payments Bank and Jio Payments Bank, while smaller or newer institutions continue to face visibility challenges in a highly competitive market.
A bibliometric study on economic empowerment and ethical governance bridges the crucial gap between an individual financial agency and the systemic necessity for corporate integrity. Similarly, mapping women’s financial empowerment through a meticulous bibliometric analysis of Scopus-indexed literature spanning 2014 to 2024, the next study explains the intellectual structure of research on working women’s financial self-efficacy. It traces the paradigm shift from basic financial literacy to complex explorations of cultural dynamics and post-pandemic resilience, establishing a vital framework for future research that integrates behavioural theories into financial empowerment strategies.
A case study on the trust and accountability in corporate governance, considered as the bedrock of financial markets trust, found itself persistently threatened by corporate malfeasance by dissecting seminal, high-profile cases—including Enron, WorldCom, Sahara India and the Saradha Group—this case analysis unravels the root mechanisms of financial deception. It equips stakeholders with actionable red flags and reinforces the indispensable role of forensic accounting and robust regulatory frameworks in cultivating an uncompromising culture of transparency and accountability.
We trust that the diverse and rigorous perspectives presented in APJMRI, Volume 22.2, will catalyse further academic inquiry, inform progressive corporate strategies and contribute meaningfully to pivotal policy discussions.