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The learning outcomes are as follows: to comprehend the dynamics of crisis management in the airline industry and appreciate how sudden shifts in critical human resources, like a pilot exodus, can impact an airline’s operations and its market position and image; to explore the legal and ethical considerations involved in managing employee contracts and transitions, emphasizing the complexities and responsibilities in this process; and to evaluate human resource retention strategies in a competitive market highlighting the importance of these strategies in maintaining a stable and skilled workforce.

In August 2023, Akasa Air, an emerging Indian airline barely a year old, found itself entangled in a challenging predicament due to an abrupt pilot exodus to rival Air India Express. This development resulted in significant operational setbacks for Akasa Air, notably the cancellation of over 800 flights as 43 pilots departed within weeks. In reaction, Akasa Air initiated legal proceedings against the pilots, accusing them of contract violations for not adhering to the required six-month notice period. Represented by Nora Chambers, a leading company law firm, the airline navigated a complex legal landscape, contending with both the pilots and Air India Express. The defense from Air India Express hinged on the argument that the pilots had settled their early departure through substantial bond payments, alleged to cover training expenses. This legal conflict occurred against a backdrop of broader challenges within Akasa Air, particularly concerning the viability of their business model in a fiercely competitive aviation market. The airline’s strategy, involving a significant increase in pilot salaries, mirrored industry-wide efforts to secure and retain skilled aviation personnel. The crisis at Akasa Air underscored the turbulent dynamics of the Indian aviation sector, already shaken by similar issues in other airlines like Indigo. Confronted with this critical situation, the leadership at Akasa Air was compelled to make a pivotal decision: either to overhaul their recruitment and retention policies, engage in negotiations with Air India Express or aggressively pursue legal action against any entities hiring their pilots. This strategic choice was not only vital for Akasa Air’s immediate trajectory but also for shaping its influence in the competitive Indian airline industry.

This case is ideal for Masters-level courses in Strategic Management, Human Resource Management and Aviation Management. It also fits well into executive education and professional development programs, particularly for those focused on crisis management and legal aspects of employee relations in the aviation sector. Suitable for a 60–80-min class discussion, the case is beneficial for both management students and professionals, offering practical insights into managing complex industry-specific challenges.

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

CSS 6: Human Resource Management.

Amid the growing global emphasis on sustainable agriculture, organizations and governments face a pressing need to equip farmers with the knowledge and tools necessary for the adoption of sustainable farming practices, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, understanding the complex relationship between training programs and the adoption of sustainable practices among small-scale farmers remains a critical challenge. Taking a human resource approach, this paper attempts to understand the interrelationships between training effectiveness, farmers’ psychological and demographic characteristics in explaining the adoption of sustainable farming practices.

We employed a multi-stage random sampling method and administered a structured questionnaire to collect data from 331 small farmers who were part of a government-led, large-scale intervention aimed at training them in sustainable farming practices.

Our research findings not only emphasize the critical role of HR approach through training but also underscore its importance in the broader mission of aligning with the SDGs. Specifically, we demonstrate that sustained exposure to training, intrinsic motivation to acquire knowledge, and the innovative capacity of farmers collectively enhance the effectiveness of training programs, thereby contributing significantly to the widespread adoption of sustainable farming practices in line with SDGs.

Drawing from self-determination theory, training effectiveness literature, and the call for improved alignment with the SDGs, this study presents a model that explains how psychological characteristics, combined with the quality and quantity of training influence the adoption of sustainable farming practices among small-scale farmers.