Surviving Covid‐19: The Role of Human Resource Managers in Shaping Organizational Responses to Societal Paradox

This study examines the role played by Australian human resource (HR) managers in shaping organizational responses to Covid-19 pandemic from perspective of paradox theory. We argue that crisis triggered a ‘societal paradox’ – protecting lives and economy cascaded organizations all types. While studies suggest paradoxes cross levels analysis, little is known regarding societal entailing interdependent yet contradictory demands between socially significant objectives. focus on HR because their key providing advice support. Using combination cross-sectional survey data (n = 680) detailed semi-structured interviews 43), we examine variations managers’ experience of, to, tensions generated paradox. find play whether ‘replicate’ initial paradox, or ‘magnify’ existing latent paradoxical organization. show how applying lens adds insight theory, elucidate HR-related mechanisms underpin experiences/responses produce an inductive model guide future studies.