The Intensity of Perception of Selected Personnel Risk Factors in the V4 Countries

Abstract Research background: The intensity of the personnel risk perception in SMEs is a crucial factor contributing to the application of risk management practices. Purpose: The objective of the study is to identify the intensity of perception of personnel risks and their manifestation in the form of staff turnover, error rate, and employee effort to improve their performance in SMEs in the V4 countries. Research methodology: The 1,585 companies in the V4 countries were randomly selected and surveyed. The descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation coefficient (Chi-square and Z-score) were used for hypotheses verification. Results: The results show heterogeneity in the perception of personal risks in the V4 countries. Compared to the Czech Republic, the intensity of perception of personal risks differs in Hungary and Slovakia (p-value < 0.0001/0.0404). However, the perception of employee turnover is different in Hungary (p-value = 0.0078), but not in Slovakia and Poland (p-value = 0.5218/0.4268). Perceptions of employee skills differ in Hungary (p-value = 0.0253), while the differences in Slovakia and Poland are not statistically significant (p-value = 0.1104/0.2414). Performance improvement and competitiveness in the workplace differ in Slovakia and Hungary (p-value = 0.0134/<0.0001). Novelty: The study fills in the gap in the area of perceived personnel risks and their manifestations and provides valuable proposals for taking measures concerning the limitations of SMEs.