The Relationship Between the Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Perceptions of Human Resources Practices, Organisational Leadership, Hope and Optimism in the Private Sector

Abstract

The general purpose of this study was to examine the significance of the relationships between the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the perceptions of human resource practices, organisational leadership, and hope and optimism in the private sector in South Africa. A quantitative research design approach was used in this study. The research was descriptive cross-sectional where probability sampling was used. There were 1733 respondents in the study sample. The results indicate that there is a significant positive correlation between the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the perceptions of human resource practices (before COVID-19) and organisational leadership. Furthermore, the results also indicate a significant positive correlation of large effect between the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the perceptions of human resource practices (during COVID-19) and organisational leadership. Moreover, findings revealed a significant correlation of medium effect between organisational leadership, hope and optimism. Finally, the results revealed that there is a non-significant correlation of small effect between the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the perceptions of human resource practices (before and during COVID19) and hope and optimism. This study provides through empirical evidence that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the perceptions of human resource practices and organisational leadership are positively associated with hope and optimism. In terms of strengthening human resource practices, organisational leadership, hope and optimism, recommendations for additional research and application of the study's findings by organisations were suggested.