Navigating VUCA Realities in the Security Sector: Building Workforce Resilience through Effective Performance Management
Keywords:
Performance management; Workforce resilience; Business continuity; Human resource management; VUCA environmentAbstract
Objectives: In an era defined by volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity (VUCA), organisations must prioritise workforce resilience to maintain operational continuity and long-term sustainability. This study objectives explored security managers’ perceptions and application of performance management in VUCA environments, identified key factors influencing effective PM and workforce resilience and examined how inclusive, context-sensitive PM strategies strengthen adaptability and institutional continuity. Prior Work: The study used theoretical frameworks of Schein’s Organisational Culture Theory and Social Constructivism of which, research findings indicated that lack of training, inadequate resource allocation and rigid performance appraisal methods hinder managers’ abilities to foster resilience within their teams. Approach: Using a qualitative phenomenological case study approach, the research gathered insights from twelve security managers across two campus sites based in Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal, via in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Results: Thematic analysis discovered gaps between theoretical PM models and real-world applications, which contribute to challenges in employee engagement, motivation and retention. Integrating performance management with resilience strategies enhances employee adaptability and workforce stability amid social, economic, and technological uncertainties in VUCA environments. Implications: To navigate the challenges of an unpredictable business environment, security managers recommended context-specific PM strategies that integrate continuous training, flexible evaluation frameworks and improved communication channels. Value: This research contributes to the discourse on human resource and PM as a driver of business resilience, offering practical recommendations for organisations seeking to navigate VUCA realities to ensure operational continuity.
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