Exploring the interrelationship between quality, safety and HR within crisis management framework

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to examine the interaction of quality, safety and crisis management (CM), and second, to explore the role played by an HR department in terms of CM. Design/methodology/approach – This paper consists of two parts: theoretical and empirical. The theoretical part follows the approach of an extended literature review. The empirical part illustrates the statistical analysis of the obtained data from Greek organizations that employ the largest number of employees, regardless of their business sector. Findings – The statistical analysis allowed the authors to confirm their main research hypotheses. First, it showed the interrelationship that exists between safety, quality and CM. Second, it presented the impact of this relationship on human resources and the vital role of HR department, in case of a crisis. Practical implications – Organizations and their top management can review and redesign their CM procedures according to the findings of this survey, aiming a fast recovery and a return to normalcy. Originality/value – Based on the literature review, there has been a little research work on the interrelationship between safety, quality and the level of CM familiarity and the role of HR department at the times of crisis. The added value of attaining this goal may become a motivational element for any organization and its top management to continue investing more in safety, quality and CM issues.