The banking cost-efficiency strategies to face the Covid-19 crisis

Purpose: Within the recent context created by Covid-19, and the pandemic related economic, financial and healthcare crisis, this paper aims at pointing out the efficiency factors that might work as propellers for the productive efficiency of Italian banks, enhancing the staff allocation in order to guarantee the achievement of the cost-reduction goals set for the medium-long term. Methodology: The paper uses an explorative approach, starting from the scientific literature available, including reports and business records. As of today, the research material is still poor and limited. For this reason, it needs reworking and systematization in order to work as starting point for the empirical survey, that represents the final part of the paper. The case study is providing confirmations and further insights on the topic that has been described in the second part of the work, through the triangulation of data, interviews with the management and direct observation. Results: Through the empirical analysis it has been possible to identify and verify on the single case study how individual operative strategies of internationalization-localization (offshoring and outsourcing), digitalization (process reengineering, automation and controlling 4.0) and strategic workforce planning contribute to the achievement of goals of technical- operative efficiency and of operative banking cost reduction.