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The changing face of HR professionals’ expectations amidst COVID-19: a comparison in between Sri Lanka and foreign context

Author

Listed:
  • Weerarathna R. S

    (Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology)

  • Rathnayake R.M.N. M

    (Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology)

  • Perera L.R.H. G

    (Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology)

  • Kaluarachchi K.R. M

    (Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology)

  • Arambawatta L. V

    (Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology)

  • H.W.M.C Weligodapola

    (Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology)

Abstract

The COVID-19 has brought significant transformation to organizations throughout the world in expediting the sudden transition to digital business operations for business continuity. Thus, businesses need to examine the expectations of Human Resource (HR) professionals to adapt to the unexpected changes aroused by the novel COVID-19 pandemic. The study aimed to compare HR professionals’ expectations from the workplace in Sri Lanka and foreign countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers utilized the qualitative research method and applied the thematic analysis in order to analyze the gathered data from 28 semi-structured interviews. According to the findings, HR professionals in Sri Lanka anticipate returning to work at office premises, and if this work transition continues in the future, they expect more incentives and strategies for work-life balance. In contrast, HR professionals in foreign countries anticipate a hybrid work culture with employee wellbeing sessions. Accordingly, the study implies that organizations should facilitate the expected requirements to continue work in the current and future crises. The HR policymakers will be able to carry out more precise planning activities in the future when developing policies related to managing HR functions in crises.

Suggested Citation

  • Weerarathna R. S & Rathnayake R.M.N. M & Perera L.R.H. G & Kaluarachchi K.R. M & Arambawatta L. V & H.W.M.C Weligodapola, 2023. "The changing face of HR professionals’ expectations amidst COVID-19: a comparison in between Sri Lanka and foreign context," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 57(5), pages 4307-4326, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:qualqt:v:57:y:2023:i:5:d:10.1007_s11135-022-01533-3
    DOI: 10.1007/s11135-022-01533-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kelvin Mwita, 2020. "Effects Of Corona Virus Pandemic (Covid-19) On Selected Human Resource Management Practices In Tanzania," Post-Print hal-03621110, HAL.
    2. Lucía Muñoz-Pascual & Carla Curado & Jesús Galende, 2019. "The Triple Bottom Line on Sustainable Product Innovation Performance in SMEs: A Mixed Methods Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(6), pages 1-22, March.
    3. Paula Caligiuri & Helen De Cieri & Dana Minbaeva & Alain Verbeke & Angelika Zimmermann, 2020. "International HRM insights for navigating the COVID-19 pandemic: Implications for future research and practice," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 51(5), pages 697-713, July.
    4. Carnevale, Joel B. & Hatak, Isabella, 2020. "Employee adjustment and well-being in the era of COVID-19: Implications for human resource management," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 116(C), pages 183-187.
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