Navigating organizational evolution: From systematic syntheses to empirical realities in emerging economies

Abstract

This editorial article outlines JAFESS’s ongoing mission in exploring the socio-technical paradigm shift within emerging economies. This 2026 first issue synthesizes contributions into two thematic clusters. While the first cluster establishes foundational frameworks via systematic literature reviews focusing on workplace work-life balance and artificial intelligence governance, the second cluster transitions to localized empirical realities within a rapidly developing Southeast Asian market, analyzing AI maturity across Cambodian enterprises and the direct market impact of annual report readability on the cost of capital. Collectively, these studies underscore the dependency of long-term corporate value on internal technological adaptation, human capital sustainability, and transparent external communication.