People Management in an Indian IT Services Company During COVID-19

Abstract

The case revolves around the reactionary measures taken by an Indian IT services company based in Pune in an attempt to stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic. The case, in particular, brings to light the effect of the employee-related managerial decisions on their well-being and work involvement amidst the unprecedented health crisis. The pronounced role of leadership, decision making, communication, conflict management, employee perceptions, and HR policies is well brought out in the narrative. Apart from the key takeaways, the readers are provoked to analyze the case and deliberate on novel ways to manage a business within India's unique socio-economic scenario. The in-depth account acquires significance in the light of rapid digital transformation due to the pandemic and its impact on business and management. It paves the way for empirical research on the newer constructs in the areas of organizational behavior and has implications for human resource policies in the VUCA environment.