A Phenomenological Conceptual Framework to Understanding the Implications of Crisis on Human Resource Management Practices in Small and Micro Enterprises (SMEs)

Abstract

This research aims to understand how the crisis affects human resource management practices and how human resource managers take strategic steps to overcome the turmoil caused by the impact of the crisis. The research subject is the small and micro business (SMEs) sector in Greater Malang. This research is qualitative research with a phenomenological approach to gain an understanding of the meaning of phenomena. Data was elicited using a semi-structured interview method. The technique for determining informants used is purposive sampling, namely determining data sources with certain considerations and objectives, and informants are considered to know best about what the researcher expects. The informants were company owners and employees who were affected by the crisis. The data analysis technique used is the data source triangulation technique, where the data is analyzed descriptively using a data analysis model, which consists of three phenomenological stages, namely: data reduction, data description, and giving meaning (essence). The research results show that the crisis has had an impact on the continuity of behavior of micro, small and medium enterprises. There are entrepreneurs who are forced to terminate the employment relationships they have had so far so that their businesses can continue to operate, but there are also those who have to close their businesses. The research found that there is an interesting phenomenon because there is mutual understanding between entrepreneurs and workers in responding to the crisis so that a relationship is established that is not detrimental, which makes it possible when the pandemic ends, the possibility of cooperation to build a business together again.