Organizational commitment and talent retention during crisis: an interview-based study to explore the changing role of organizational commitment to talent retention strategies at technology-based startups in the Uusimaa region during the COVID-19 crisis time

Abstract

The objectives of the study are to explore the changing role of organizational commitment in building talent retention strategies at technology-based startups in the Uusimaa region during the COVID-19 crisis. The main research question is approached with two goals: 1. to understand the commitment and retention practices at these startups in normal times, and 2. to explore the changes in the perception of such subjects under the serious damage of COVID-19 crisis has impacted on our working life.

The study follows the methodology of qualitative research, specifically an interview-based multiple-case study. Semi-structured interviews are conducted with members within the technology-based startups with solid and mature finance status in the Uusimaa region. Interview questions are constructed based on the framework study from the literature review combined with emergent concerns during an extreme event.

The findings are separated into two main sections. Firstly, it figures current commitment perception as a two-way trust, loyalty, and devotion to contributing to the growth of startups, which are affected by synergies with the product, job content, empowerment, and culture-fit factors. During the COVID-19 crisis, transparency and empathy are highly demanded among members, which determines the change of talent retention strategies from a flexible and unplanned one to a more customized strategy demanding psychological safety. Organizational commitment, from an explanatory factor to measure retention performance, becomes a supplementary element to build sustainable and effective talent retention strategies at startups during crisis time.