Journal of Global Resources
Volume 6 (01a)https://doi.org/10.46587/JGR.2020.v06si01.008

Special Issue June 2020
Page 58-63
ISSN: 2455-2445 (Online)

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CHANGING HUMAN RESOURCE PRACTICES IN PURVIEW OF COVID-19 LOCKDOWN ON
THE TEACHING AND NON-TEACHING STAFF ACROSS COLLEGES IN MUMBAI
Heer Amrish Jalundhwala
Assistant Professor, Laxmichand Golwala College of Commerce and Economics,
Ghatkopar (East), Mumbai, India
Email: heerjalu29@gmail.com
Abstract: With more than 28 lakh people infected worldwide and 1.97 lakh dead, the COVID-19
pandemic shows no signs of abating. Educators and students around the world are feeling theextraordinary ripple effect of the novel Coronavirus as schools and colleges shut down amid thepublic health emergency. While temporary school closures as a result of health and other crises
are not new, unfortunately, the global scale and speed of the current educational disruption is
unparalleled and if prolonged, could threaten the right to education. A multi-pronged strategy isnecessary to manage the crisis and build a resilient Indian education system in the long term.
While health officials scramble to get a grip on multiple outbreaks, the education institutes ofMumbai have left no stones unturned in order to continue imparting quality education to thestudents. The present study was undertaken to find the changing Human Resource practices in thepurview of COVID-19 Lockdown on the Teaching and Non-Teaching staff across Colleges inMumbai.
Key words: COVID-19, Commerce colleges, Lockdown, Teaching & Non-teaching Staff.
Introduction
Modern technology is enabling professionals from the education sector to think out of the box,
beyond the traditional classroom learning and explore the world of E-content and E-Learning by
maximizing the use of online resources. E-content is a very powerful tool of education. E-content isvaluable to the learners and also helpful to teachers of all individual instruction systems; E-content
is the latest method of instruction that is used by professionals in the teaching sector. Education
Teaching plays a vital role in the formal education system. In spite of established sound theories ofteaching, it still continues to be a challenging task. Teaching-centre and group-oriented methods ofinstruction hardly provide for individual differences of the learners. E-learning is the new trend ofeducation. The term covers a wide set of applications and processes, such as web-based learning,
computer-based learning, virtual classrooms, and digital collaboration. Increased preservation,
reduced learning time are other benefits to students.
As the days pass by with no immediate solution to stop the outbreak of COVID-19, school
and university closures will not only have a short-term impact on the continuity of learning for morethan 285 million young learners in India but also engender far-reaching economic and societal
consequences. This has also impacted the smooth functioning of schools, colleges and universities
across the globe thus hampering the learning process and day-to-day functioning of teaching andnon-teaching staff along with the students. However, modern-day technology has made it possible
to work from home rather than solely relying on “only working from office” practice which is now athing of the past. Needless to say, the pandemic has transformed the centuries-old, chalk–talkteaching model to one driven by technology. Hence this study was undertaken to find the changing58

Human Resource practices in the purview of COVID-19 Lockdown on the Teaching and NonTeaching staff across Colleges in Mumbai.
Literature Review
Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi assessed the novel Corona Virus’ impact on the Indian
economy and the possibility of a second stimulus package to boost sectors hit hard by thepandemic. Several multilateral agencies, including the World Bank and the International Monetary
Fund, have drastically cut their India GDP growth forecasts for 2020-21 after economic activity inthe country halted due to the spread of the Coronavirus. Currently, school closures in over a dozen
countries due to the COVID-19 outbreak have disrupted the education of at least 290.5 million
students worldwide, according to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and CulturalOrganization. The National Policy on Education (1986) has emphasized the application ofEducational Technology to Improve the Quality of Education at all levels. It has also laid special
emphasis on using computers in the teaching-learning process. The rapid development incomputer technology, together with the use of computers by teachers, paved the way for theintroduction of computers in teaching and learning. With the advancement of technology, thecomputer has become more user friendly, so the teachers can attempt to develop E-content whileworking from home. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revised its global GDP growthestimate from 3.3% just 3 months ago to a contraction of 3%, something not seen since the Great
Depression of the 1930s. IMF says India will remain the ‘fastest-growing major economy in 2020’.
But one must remember that the COVID-19 onslaught is only at its initial phase. As the vaccine isyet to be found, lockdowns remain the only way to slow down its speed.
Objectives of the Study
1. To study the impact of lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic on the teaching and nonteaching staff of Commerce colleges across Mumbai, India.
2. To study the effectiveness of changing Human Resource practices in the purview of Work
from Home experience with regards to teaching and non-teaching staff of Commerce colleges
across Mumbai.
Research Methodology
The research method used was ‘Survey method’, under which the information would be secured
concerning the subject of study from a selected number of respondents of the concerned Universe.
Problem Identification
It is a Need-based project. The research is done for finding out the impact of COVID-19 on theteaching and non-teaching staff of Commerce colleges across Mumbai and to study theeffectiveness of changing HR practices in the purview of work from home experience.
Sample Size
The total sample size was 90.
Data Collection
Data collection was done through a self-prepared, structured questionnaire. The custom-designed
questionnaire was sent across to the respondents with a request to answer the questions online
and return the completely filled questionnaire.
Primary Data
The primary data was gathered by an online questionnaire.
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Secondary Data
For the purpose of understanding the topic in detail and putting the recommendations, findings
from the Internet were used.
Scope of the Study
The scope of this research is limited to employees in the education sector (teaching and nonteaching staff) which is limited to Commerce colleges across Mumbai.
Limitations of the Study The most apparent limitation was that some facts and figures may not be exactly disclosed due
to Organizational Rules, Regulations and Policies.
 Time factor: As the research study was conducted within a limited duration of time, a detailed
study could not be made.
 This type of research is ideal for finding out numerical data. It would be more useful to conduct
interviews and study the atmosphere within the organization. Unfortunately, that was notpossible for this study, and therefore an online questionnaire was used.
 As the aspirations of humans change with time, they are very difficult to research. Therefore,
the Organizational policies too need a careful framing up & periodical review.
Data Analysis and Interpretation
The data collected were classified, tabulated & analysed using Microsoft Excel and statisticalmethod. The data is analysed to identify the issues.
Parameters: (1) Communication from the top management (2) Compensation (3) Employee
Conditions and facilities (4) HR Systems & Processes by the top management (5) Innovation &Progression. The analysis of the Survey is as under:≤ 60%> 60% - < 80%≥ 80%

Areas of Concern
Alert
StrengthFindings
Communication from the Top Management
The process by which individuals interact, Share and cooperate is called Communication. Internal
communication channels are a key to make the employees feel well informed and belonged towhatever is happening in the organization.
CommunicationI am aware of the pandemic and its effect on my job.
I am well informed about the business decisions that impact my work.
Clarity regarding the Channels of communication (for example, ZoomApp, Google Hangouts) & ideas to improve business processes &policies are there.
The organisational policies are well-communicated at all levels.

Agree %
90
8579

Disagree %10152191

9Compensation
Monetary compensation is an employee’s gross payroll pay rate and benefits program funded byan Organization or an Agency. In short, it means the remuneration paid to the employees & thequality of other benefits offered by the organization.

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Compensation
Timely receipt of remuneration
Compensation practices in our firm in line with those being followedin similar organizations
Total work offering, is comparable to other companies in similarorganizations
My Total Remuneration is equitable with what others in similar
positions are drawing in comparable organizations.

Agree %
8065

Disagree %2035673365

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Employee Conditions & Facilities
Employee conditions and facilities mean the right conditions & resources required for carrying out aparticular job.
Employee Conditions & Facilities
My Organization provides sufficient resources to do my job fromhome (laptops, Internet connectivity)
My firm is well prepared in emergency situations for employeesafety.

Agree %
51

Disagree %
4971

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Human Resource Systems & Processes by the Top Management
Each Organization works towards the realization of one vision. It includes Human resource
planning, Employee remuneration and Benefits, Administration, Performance Management andEmployee Relations.
HR Systems & Processes
The top management processes enable fair assessment of theemployee’s contribution at work.
The HR systems in the Organization are employee-friendly.
I feel the organizational HR processes are in sync with industry
practices.

Agree %
72

Disagree %2890801020

Innovation & Progression
In today’s competitive environment Organizations must foster innovation and progression andmanage change successfully.
Innovation & Progression
I am encouraged to think differently & focus on improving
processes & systems (by introducing online lectures, preparing
presentations, E-content and E-learning resources for the students)
My seniors support innovative ideas suggested by me foraccomplishing business results.

Agree %
89

Disagree %1190

10Results(A) Strengths: (Includes the Parameters which have the Satisfaction Score above 80 %)•Communication: satisfaction score 86.25 %.
•HR Systems & Processes: satisfaction score 80.67 %.
•Innovation & Progression: satisfaction score 89.5 %.
(B) Areas of Improvement: (Includes the Parameters which have the Satisfaction Score between
60 & 80 %)•Employee Compensation: satisfaction score 69.25 %.
61•Employee conditions & facilities: satisfaction score 61 %.
(C) Areas of Concern: (Includes the Parameters which have the Satisfaction Score ≤ 60%)
 None of the Parameters scored ≤ 60%.
Conclusions & Suggestions
The actions that educational institutes need to take into account are as follows:
1. Demonstrate to employees that the organization cares about them, wants them to advance intheir careers and will help them satisfy their needs for personal growth.
2. Frame the compensation plan in such a way that it is equitable with other organizations.
3. Provide training courses for the staff (both teaching and nonteaching) by encouraging them toregister for more online courses attend more workshops and familiarize them with the latesttechnology.
4. Arrangements should be made to provide employees with the necessary resources likelaptops, internet connectivity, etc. like multinational companies since education is a vital sector
for our economy.
5. Communication can be made more efficient by organizing virtual meeting at least once every
week so that proper feedback system is enabled and to ensure that all the processes are ontime.
6. Open-source digital learning solutions and Learning Management Software should be adopted
so teachers can conduct teaching online. The DIKSHA platform, with reach across all states inIndia, can be further strengthened to ensure accessibility of learning.
7. Inclusive learning solutions, especially for the most vulnerable and marginalized, need to bedeveloped. With a rapid increase of mobile internet users in India, which is expected to reach
85% households by 2024, technology is enabling ubiquitous access and personalization ofeducation even in the remotest parts of the country. This can change the schooling system andincrease the effectiveness of learning and teaching, giving students and teachers multiple
options to choose from. Many aspirational districts have initiated innovative, mobile-basedlearning models for effective delivery of education, which can be adopted by others.
8. It is also important to reconsider the current delivery and pedagogical methods in school andhigher education by seamlessly integrating classroom learning with e-learning modes to build a
unified learning system.
9. Indian traditional knowledge is well known across the globe for its scientific innovations, values,
and benefits to develop sustainably technologies and medicines. The courses on Indian
traditional knowledge systems in the fields of yoga, Indian medicines, architecture, hydraulics,
ethnobotany, metallurgy and agriculture should be integrated with a present-day mainstream
university education to serve the larger cause of humanity.
References
1. https://www.jagranjosh.com/general-knowledge/what-is-the-impact-of-coronavirus-onindian-economy-1582870052-1
2. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/wealth/personal-finance-news/impact-of-thecoronavirus-pandemic-on-the-world-economy-and-how-india-isplaced/articleshow/75217253.cms
3. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/wealth/personal-finance-news/impact-of-thecoronavirus-pandemic-on-the-world-economy-and-how-india-isplaced/articleshow/75217253.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_
campaign=cppst
4. https://www.bloombergquint.com/business/pm-modi-reviews-coronavirus-impact-on-indianeconomy-second-stimulus-package-in-consideration
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5. https://abcnews.go.com/International/global-impact-coronaviruseducation/story?id=69411738
6. https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/36805/6/06_chapter%201.pdf
7. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transformative_learning
8. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impact_of_the_2019%E2%80%9320_coronavirus_pandemic_on_education

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