Journal of Economy and Enterprise Studies

Editorial Preface 

The contemporary economic environment presents organizations and institutions with unprecedented challenges marked by volatility, technological disruption, and evolving stakeholder expectations. In this context, Volume 1, Issue 2 of the Journal of Economy and Enterprise Studies offers a timely collection of empirical studies that illuminate pathways toward more resilient and effective organizational practices through data-driven insights.

The issue opens with Casagan and Tan's examination of corporate ethical climate, which provides compelling evidence that ethical organizational culture serves as more than just a compliance requirement - it actively enhances the effectiveness of internal audit functions. Their finding that personal and organizational interests are key predictors of audit effectiveness suggests that ethical considerations should be strategically integrated into performance management systems. This research has particular relevance for emerging markets where corporate governance structures are still maturing.

Shifting focus to consumer finance, Lombrino and Murcia's conjoint analysis of car loan preferences reveals important market insights that challenge conventional banking wisdom. Their discovery that payment flexibility outweighs traditional factors like collateral in consumer decision-making points to significant opportunities for financial product innovation. This study demonstrates how sophisticated market research techniques can uncover latent consumer needs and inform more responsive service design in competitive financial markets.

The theme of operational efficiency is explored through two complementary studies. Ranalan's analysis of Philippine universal banks employs advanced efficiency measurement techniques to reveal the complex relationship between loan quality and technical efficiency. His findings suggest that banks may need to reevaluate traditional metrics of success in an era where risk management has become increasingly sophisticated. Similarly, Bautista and Gono Jr.'s evaluation of academic productivity in higher education institutions provides a model for evidence-based resource allocation in the education sector. Their identification of efficiency disparities among academic units offers concrete guidance for institutional improvement plans.

The issue concludes with Tagoon-Angeles and Quiambao Jr.'s investigation of non-cognitive skills in the IT-BPO sector, which makes a compelling case for expanding talent development programs beyond technical competencies. Their finding that emotional intelligence and grit are significant predictors of work behavior in high-stress environments has important implications for human resource practices in service industries that are critical to many developing economies.

Collectively, these studies demonstrate the power of empirical research to inform decision-making across multiple organizational contexts. They provide actionable insights for leaders navigating complex challenges in governance, financial services, education, and human capital management. As the pace of change accelerates, the rigorous methodologies and practical findings presented in this issue offer valuable tools for building more adaptive and resilient organizations.

We extend our appreciation to the authors for their significant contributions and to our reviewers for ensuring the scholarly rigor of these works. It is our hope that these research findings will stimulate further inquiry and inform evidence-based practices in both academic and professional circles.

The Editor
Journal of Economy and Enterprise Studies