Journal Press India^®

Advancing Frontiers in Commerce and Management: Insights from Contemporary Research

The landscape of business management and commerce is rapidly evolving, driven by technological advancements, rising user expectations, changing societal norms, and growing environmental consciousness. This edition of MANTHAN: Journal of Commerce and Management compiles articles that highlight the ongoing changes in this discipline, offering valuable insights from the research conducted by our esteemed authors. It presents a collection of interdisciplinary research aligned with the purpose of commerce and management. The articles in this edition are contextually diverse, covering a broad range of topics from cultural dynamics to policy intervention.

In the realm of organizational behavior, this edition features a study by Mahima Thakur, Mohini Yadav, Vinod Kumar, Sunil Budhiraja, and Ashish Jangra, focusing on cultural dynamics in mergers and acquisitions, the impact of perceived organizational support on employee silence and commitment, and the effects of organizational cronyism on counterproductive work behavior. This study underscores the importance of managing cultural integration, fostering open communication, and maintaining ethical practices within organizations.

Workplace spirituality emerges as a significant factor influencing employee engagement and satisfaction, suggesting that organizations should consider fostering a spiritual work environment to enhance productivity and employee well-being. Mahak Garg, B.K. Punia, Mandeep Singh, and Garima Bansal offer significant insights into understanding workplace spirituality and its underlying factors. Attri and Upadhyay reviewed the literature on academic leadership in higher education using bibliometric analysis, emphasizing the crucial role of leaders in shaping institutional success and fostering academic excellence. Payeng and Baruah, in their research, explore the adoption of new technologies, exemplified by a study on banking chatbot adoption in India. This research highlights the importance of perceived usefulness and ease of use in driving customer acceptance of new banking technologies. Prashant Sharma, Dinesh Kumar Sharma, and Modish Kumar delve into a relevant area with their systematic literature review of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), India's crop insurance scheme. This review highlights the need for trust-building, awareness, and policy design improvements to enhance the scheme's effectiveness. A unique application of data-driven marketing is presented by Sreereshma S. R., Dileep A. S., and V. S. Santhosh. These researchers have chosen India's coffee sector to showcase the potential of digital technologies in improving market access and operational efficiency. However, it also reveals challenges such as financial constraints and digital literacy that need to be addressed. The study by Mansi Gupta and Madhavan Singh examines consumer behavior, focusing on digital payments and eco-friendly packaging preferences, contributing to the understanding of consumers' environmental consciousness. This paper highlights the complex interplay between technology, environmental consciousness, and spending habits.

Interesting research, titled "Quiet People Have the Loudest Minds" is elucidated by Jashmeen Kaur, Ritu Lehal, and Kanika Sofat. Focusing on the banking sector in Punjab and Chandigarh, they  demonstrate how perceived organizational support can reduce employee silence and enhance commitment. Their findings advocate for open-door policies and trust-building initiatives to promote workplace harmony. In another study, Ankita Turka and Sanjay Kaushik examined the banking sector with a sample of 220 bankers, revealing how cronyism exacerbates job stress and emotional exhaustion, leading to counterproductive behaviors. This research underscores the need for transparency in promotions to mitigate workplace toxicity.

In the ongoing transformation of higher education, academic leadership plays a pivotal role. Digital payments and consumer spending is one of the most contemporary topics of research. Mona Agarwal and Hansa Subnani explore how digital payments reduce the "pain of paying," thereby spurring impulsive spending. They call for financial literacy programs to mitigate the unintended consequences of cashless transactions.

Collectively, these studies paint a picture of a business world in flux, where organizations must navigate cultural challenges, embrace new technologies, and respond to changing consumer preferences. They also underscore the need for ethical practices, employee well-being, and environmental consciousness in modern business operations.

This body of research provides valuable insights for policymakers, business leaders, and researchers alike, offering a roadmap for future investigations and practical applications in various sectors of the economy. We express our profound gratitude to all authors, reviewers, co-editors, and the editing team for their assistance in facilitating the prompt publication of this issue.

Editor-in-Chief
Prof. Raj K Kovid

Associate Editors
Dr. Manisha Gupta
Dr. Anil Kumar Kashyap