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Crisis Leadership: Reflecting on the Complex Role of Academic (Middle) Leaders during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Authors :
Africa, Cherrel
Yu, Derek
Karriem, Abdulrazak
Raymond, Bonita
Source :
Perspectives in Education. 2023 41(2):89-103.
Publication Year :
2023

Abstract

This article examines the experiences and coping strategies of four university middle-managers during the unprecedented time of disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. We use the research approach of autoethnography to reflect on our experiences and decision-making processes. To reflect on how we managed the rapid change and moved from survivalist actions to more systemic responses in a new and uncertain reality, we draw on concepts which highlight the importance of connectedness, distributive leadership and communicating clearly. Intuitively following these principles, and being decisive and pragmatic are what enabled all four departments to stabilise and move out of a survivalist reactive mode. Two clear patterns emerged from our reflections. Firstly, it is evident that the pandemic exacerbated pre-existing challenges and shone a bright light on existing shortcomings. A second pattern was that there was simply no other option but to improve systems and processes. We conclude that it is vital to continue asking difficult questions about the long-term implications of the profound changes delivered by the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes the move to hybrid teaching and how we can regain a proactive stance, facilitating inclusive long-term change.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
0258-2236 and 2519-593X
Volume :
41
Issue :
2
Database :
ERIC
Journal :
Perspectives in Education
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
EJ1398478
Document Type :
Journal Articles<br />Reports - Evaluative
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.38140/pie.v41i2.6265