Resilience of IT Auditors in South African Banking Amidst COVID-19

This study delves into the remarkable resilience demonstrated by IT auditors within South Africa’s banking sector during the COVID-19 pandemic. The primary aim is to explore the challenges faced by IT auditors individually during this crisis and examine the measures adopted by organizations and auditors to enhance resilience. Motivated by the need to understand the psychological, emotional, and professional strains experienced by IT auditors, this research seeks to identify effective strategies and programs instrumental in aiding IT auditors in navigating the crisis successfully. Through an extensive literature review, this research thoroughly examines the complicated challenges encountered by IT auditors, including psychological pressures, skill adaptability needs, training essentials, and cyber vulnerabilities. It employs a qualitative approach to gather insights from existing literature and empirical evidence. The findings highlight the significant role of emotional support, specialized training initiatives, and streamlined communication channels in supporting IT auditors’ resilience during the pandemic. Furthermore, the study highlights the exceptional adaptability revealed by IT auditors, indicative of their ability to recalibrate competencies, skills, and job satisfaction levels in response to remote work arrangements. Emphasizing the significance of flexibility, continuous education, and robust organizational support mechanisms, this research offers practical insights for fostering IT auditors’ resilience amidst the banking industry’s evolving landscape. By shedding light on individual and organizational dynamics, this study contributes to the broader discourse on crisis management within the banking sector, enriching understanding and offering actionable recommendations for cultivating a resilient environment.