Academic Leadership Amid Crisis: The Followers’ Lens

Academic Leadership Amid Crisis: The Followers’ Lens

by Niel Kenneth F Jamandre, PhD in Leadership Studies major in Organization Development Candidate

ABSTRACT
This study investigated the characteristics and behaviors of academic leaders in a crisis context from the perspective of followers. Using consensual qualitative research, 14 university non-academic staff members working in administrative offices in public and private higher education institutions in the Philippines were interviewed on their experiences during the pandemic. Results show how the university navigated and responded to the challenges of the crisis from chaos to stability. The interviewees described effective academic leadership amid crisis as being strategic, communicative, visible, adaptive, exuding positivity, and trusting. These characteristics and behaviors helped address the needs of a multi-stakeholder organization including students, faculty, parents, and staff amid successive disruptions. The participants explained how their academic leaders influenced their motivation, productivity,
and loyalty at work amid the crisis. Followers also revealed that their leaders empowered them and inspired their mission to continue serving in an academic organization. Results imply that effective academic leadership across the phases of crisis is a consistent display of positive characteristics and behaviors such as collaboration that influence the followers to adapt and the organization to thrive. Academic leadership in an unprecedented crisis suggests shared leadership and creative actions that transform the organization.

3:00PM, Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Adviser:

Mendiola T Calleja, PhD

Panelists:

Jaimee Felice C Go, PhD

Edna P Franco, PhD

Ma. Assunta C Cuyegkeng, PhD

Marshaley J Baquiano, PhD

Keywords: academic leadership, crisis context, followers, higher education, consensual qualitative research