Exploring the Moderating Role of COVID-19 on the Adaptive Performance and Project Success: Inching towards Energy Transition

Abstract

Globally, approximately one-third of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are attributed to the energy sector. The global efforts to reduce emissions by 45 percent by 2030 in pursuit of net-zero emission targets depend on the timely completion of renewable energy projects. Among numerous internal and external factors that influence the success of projects, the performance of the workforce in response to changing project dynamics is a key yet little-explored factor. As such, the complexities and uncertainties brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic only enhanced the intensity of existing challenges faced by the workforce. This study investigates the moderating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the relationship between adaptive performance and the success of wind power plants in Pakistan. By drawing a sample size of 345 project personnel and using SMART PLS 4, the findings indicate that adaptive performance is a desired attribute in the workforce, and it contributes significantly towards the success of wind power plants in Pakistan. In addition, the stress, disturbance in work-life balance, and physical issues due to COVID-19 weaken the relationship of adaptive performance with the project’s success. This study has implications for renewable energy projects’ stakeholders to not ignore this aspect of performance and support the workforce through training, development, and adaptive management practices, as well as making projects flexible enough to facilitate changes. In addition, this study provides theoretical implications that highlight how human agency is affected by external factors, which in this case is the COVID-19 pandemic.