Abstract:
This article aims to examine the experiences of human resource professionals
(HRPs) in managing crises posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Employing
qualitative research methodology, in-depth interviews with 24 HRPs of different
industries were carried out. The findings indicate how the HRPs have navigated
through five phases of the crisis as (a) anticipatory; (b) crisis; (c) adjustment;
(d) rebounding; (e) continuance or reverting to old ways, struggling with many
decisions and actions. The periods that companies took to navigate these
different stages and the success of how they faced the crises posed by the
pandemic mainly depend on factors such as the level of preparedness, nature of
the industry, availability of resources, and role of the HRPs. The learning from
the experiences of the HRPs and the phases they have navigated through will
help to successfully manage similar crises in the future.
