Uncertainty and sustainability: Accounting and governance implications for organisations in emerging markets

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Introduction

Recent years have witnessed an unprecedented stream of systemic events and uncertainties, such as the Covid-19 pandemic, geopolitical conflicts (Russia-Ukraine’s war, Israel-Gaza war), and new policies from the US President Donald Trump, US withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement and the WHO, and the imposition of tariffs. Those changes, and the reactions thereof, represent a major challenge to mainstream global economic and political stability and have already led to significant reassessment of risk profiles for businesses and organisations worldwide. Prior studies have examined the impact of sustainability requirements on organisational performance (i.e. Enticott & Walker, 2008; Gelhard & Von Delft, 2016), the multiplicity of sustainability requirements (Kaur et al., 2025; Gaia et al., 2023), or the influence of uncertainty and the role of the contingency model in responding to uncertainty (Hoque, 2004, Nguyet et al., 2023). However, there is a major gap in understanding how organisations have adapt to this new, potentially enduring, state of crisis and uncertainty while remaining in line with commitments to meet sustainability goals and objectives. In particular, emerging economies and markets have been found to suffer deeper and more prolonged impacts from shocks (Carriere-Swallow & Cespedes, 2013).

Notably, emerging economies and markets seem to be facing the ‘double challenge’ in terms of having to address social and environmental issues with limited capabilities and resources. This special issue, therefore, aims to explore the impact of uncertainty (or uncertainties) and sustainability pressures on business and managers, with an emphasis on the role of accounting, reporting, and corporate governance in response to these challenges in the context of emerging economies.

To achieve these aims, this special issue focuses on (1) exploring the impact of uncertainties and sustainability requirements on governance, inclusive of business strategy and management; (2) examining how accounting and reporting have changed in response to the uncertainties and sustainability challenges; (3) examining the contribution and significance of accounting, reporting and corporate governance to businesses and organisations in achieving sustainable development goals.

This special issue will contribute to the growing body of literature by bridging the gap between sustainability, accounting, reporting, and corporate governance in the uncertain world. Particularly, the special issue will highlight different frameworks, models and practices that reflect the influence of uncertainties and sustainability requirements in all types of organisations with a focus on global emerging economies. By integrating insights from accounting, reporting, governance, strategy, operations and management, this special issue will provide novel frameworks, methodologies, and empirical findings that can guide scholars and practitioners in navigating the complexities of accounting and accountability in an uncertain and complex world.

List of Topic Areas

We encourage submissions that address, but are not limited to, the following topics:

• Challenges (accounting, accountability, governance, strategy) for businesses and organisations caused by geopolitical risks and uncertainties.
• Challenges and opportunities for emerging economies to transition to low-carbon or net zero economies.
• Accounting, reporting and governance practices for sustainability, biodiversity and agroecology.
• Environmental, social and governance reporting and performance in response to uncertainties.
• Environmental and carbon (CO2) accounting and reporting in emerging markets.
• Governance and sustainability failures and scandals (i.e., greenwashing case studies).
• Regulatory challenges and opportunities in response to uncertainties and sustainability.

Guest Editors

Professor Tam Nguyen, Nottingham Business School, Nottingham Trent University, UK, tam.nguyen02@ntu.ac.uk

Professor Teerooven Soobarooyen, Aston Business School, Aston University, UK, t.soobaroyen@aston.ac.uk

Associate Prof. Nguyen Thi Hong Nga, School of Economics, Hanoi University of Industry, Vietnam, nguyenthihongnga@haui.edu.vn

Dr Nguyen Thi Hong Thuy, University of Economics and Business, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam, nththuy@vnu.edu.vn

Submissions Information

Submissions are made using ScholarOne Manuscripts. Author guidelines must be strictly followed.

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Author Guidelines

Authors should select (from the drop-down menu) the special issue title at the appropriate step in the submission process, i.e. in response to “Please select the issue you are submitting to”. 

Submitted articles must not have been previously published, nor should they be under consideration for publication anywhere else, while under review for this journal.

Key Deadlines

Opening date for manuscripts submissions: 1st October 2025

Closing date for manuscripts submission: 31st January 2026