Editorial: Management in transition: behavioral, organizational and societal insights

The field of management is experiencing a period of profound transition, driven not only by technological and workforce shifts but also by behavioral, organizational, and societal factors that shape outcomes across diverse contexts. From the increasing digitalization of transactions to the integration of sustainability practices and the rethinking of workplace dynamics, these shifts underscore the importance of research that not only identifies key drivers but also provides actionable strategies. In this issue, we bring together diverse studies that offer insights across multiple domains, including consumer behavior, workplace empowerment, digital payments, green human resource management, microfinance, gender and resource access, and higher education research performance. Together, these contributions provide a multifaceted view of management in the contemporary world, with implications for theory, practice, and policy.The first paper provides a systematic literature review on management practices and academic culture in enhancing the research performance of higher education institutions (HEIs). From a large dataset of over 700,000 articles, 27 studies were synthesized to identify key themes and sub-themes. The author Chowdhury et al. (2025) makes an important contribution by consolidating evidence on research performance drivers, offering insights for higher education in India and beyond.The second study by Bishnoi and Ubba (2025) examines how behavioral interventions influence showrooming intentions and the creation of user-generated content in the home furnishings industry, framed through the Theory of Planned Behavior. Employing partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), the authors show that all behavioral intervention factors positively affect showrooming intention, which in turn enhances user-generated content creation. This work contributes a novel perspective by integrating behavioral interventions into showrooming research. It also provides practical insights for retailers to develop strategies that effectively address showrooming behavior.The third paper explores the interplay between workplace resilience, job complexity, and psychological empowerment within India's organized sector. Drawing on longitudinal data, the study by Nanda (2025) finds that employees with higher resilience working in complex roles experience significant and consistent empowerment gains. These results highlight the dynamic nature of empowerment and the critical role of resilience in fostering adaptability in challenging work environments. The study also emphasizes the importance of building long-term organizational strategies that nurture resilience among employees.The fourth contribution uses bibliometric analysis to map the trajectory of digital payments research during the pandemic, analyzing 418 Scopus-indexed papers published between 2020 and 2024. The findings by Bhopal et al. (2025) reveal a surge in scholarly output on digital payments in this period, with emerging areas linked to technology, infrastructure, and policy. By situating these developments within the framework of sustainable development goals, the study calls for addressing issues such as digital literacy and connectivity disparities to ensure inclusive growth, while offering valuable guidance for policymakers, financial institutions, and technology providers.The fifth study evaluates the relationship between green human resource management (GHRM), leader support, and corporate sustainability in the oil and gas industry. Using a cross-sectional design with 384 respondents, the research finds that all dimensions of GHRM—training and development, recruitment and selection, rewards and compensation, and performance management—positively influence corporate sustainability. Moreover, leader support emerges as a key mediator in this relationship. By grounding the analysis in stakeholder and institutional theory, the authors Ametepe et al. (2025) fill a critical gap in the literature and highlight the role of leadership in advancing green initiatives within resource-intensive industries.The sixth paper investigates the behavioral and service quality factors that shape loan repayment behavior among microfinance institution (MFI) clients in Odisha, India. This study reveals that personal norms, attitudes, responsibility ascription and client satisfaction significantly influence repayment intention. Dimensions of service quality—assurance, empathy, reliability, responsiveness and tangibles—also prove critical to client satisfaction. The findings by Behera and Mohini (2025) hold strong practical value for MFIs in designing lending mechanisms, especially for women borrowers, and in building trust-based relationships that enhance financial inclusion and socio-economic development.The seventh study by Mwalyagile et al. (2025) examines gender power relations in irrigation resource access and decision-making among smallholder rice farmers in Tanzania. Combining quantitative analysis of 397 farmers with qualitative insights from focus groups and interviews, the research shows that access to irrigation resources is shaped by economic status, land ownership, marriage, and social capital. These findings point to persistent gender inequalities in resource governance and highlight the need for targeted policy interventions to promote gender-equitable access to resources and decision-making power.In the book review section, Karunya Priyanka, in her review of the book “Teaching by Heart: One Professor's Journey to Inspire”, by Thomas J. DeLong, offers a reflective and heartfelt exploration of what it means to teach with authenticity and purpose. Drawing on decades of experience, DeLong emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, empathy, and continuous learning in shaping meaningful student engagement. The work highlights how effective teaching extends beyond content delivery to fostering trust, connection, and critical thinking. This narrative encourages readers to examine their own pedagogical approach and embrace teaching as both an art and a vocation.Collectively, the studies in this issue reflect the breadth and dynamism of management research today. They emphasize how behavioral, organizational, technological, and socio-cultural factors intersect to shape outcomes that matter not only to organizations but also to broader communities and economies. As management scholars and practitioners continue to respond to the demands of a rapidly evolving world, it is imperative to pursue approaches that are evidence-based, inclusive, and sustainable. By fostering collaboration across disciplines and geographies, we can build pathways that not only address immediate challenges but also create resilient, equitable, and forward-looking systems for the future.