The covid-19 pandemic process and human resources management practices: a qualitative study on the bank managers' perspectives

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed human resources practices in the business world. The aim of this research is to examine the chancing human resources management practices due to the COVID-19 pandemic through the perspectives of bank managers. Case analysis was used as a research approach, and the COVID-19 period was recognized as a case due to its unique circumstances. Within the scope of this research, data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews with 12 participants working in state, private and participation banks operating in Konya. The research findings reveal that the state, private and participation banks react to unexpected situations caused by the pandemic. It was found that the resulting uncertainties were responded to by using flexibility and more digitalized applications. Furthermore, in addition to the important similarities in the codes regarding the perceived employee value at state, private or participation banks, it has been revealed that the codes in some areas differ. Other results revealed that, regardless of bank type, activities in occupational health and safety measures, construction of the social areas, corporate membership, customer visits and idea developments was affected by the COVID-19 process.