COVID-19’S IMPACT ON ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE: EVIDENCE FROM ABIA STATE CIVIL SERVICE

Public administration was among the several areas whose organizational effectiveness was severely impacted by the COVID-19 epidemic. With an emphasis on important topics including job productivity, budgetary restrictions, digital transformation, employee well-being, and government reaction tactics, this research investigates the effects of COVID-19 on the Abia State Civil Service. Data were gathered through focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews (IDIs) with civil workers from several ministries using a qualitative research methodology. Contingency Theory serves as the theoretical framework and aids in explaining the difficulties and organizational reactions seen throughout the crisis. According to the findings, the pandemic caused irregular application of remote work regulations, decreased work productivity, and delays in file processing and service delivery. Financially, budget cuts and salary delays for many federal personnel had an impact on productivity and general morale. Resistance to IT adoption, especially among senior workers, and technology shortcomings were exposed by the forced shift to digital operations. The study also emphasizes the psychological toll that job uncertainty and a lack of government assistance have on workers, as seen by elevated levels of stress, anxiety, and burnout. Bureaucratic rigidity, poor crisis planning, and insufficient digital infrastructure hampered the overall response, even though certain ministries showed flexibility through digital solutions and hybrid work models.