Challenges and Strategies in a Crisis: A Case Study of a Private Educational Institute in Karachi

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to collect a comprehensive list of leadership challenges faced and strategies utilized during a campus crisis. The crises associated with educational institutions after various involvements by the university section heads and the strategies used in the light of Bolman and Deal’s multi frame to combat these issues were identified. Head of departments from a private educational institute were interviewed about their experiences regarding crisis management and what strategies they had implemented. The participants discussed how leadership shown at their respective level and how it contributed to the overall mission and vision of the institution. The study is focused on reframing the campus leaders on structural, human resources, political and symbolic leadership. The researcher found the main challenge faced by the leaders was the inability to integrate the frames of leadership, which in- turn lead to ineffective strategies of handling crises faced by the educational institution. Like all organizations, an educational institute is not void of problems and requires proper crisis management team. Six major challenges were identified for campus leaders during crisis:( a) Streamline of the policies b) Right personnel on the team c) Physical infrastructure and facilities d) Frequent and regular training and development of the personnel  e) Right people to report to f) Open communication and clear guidelines in the form of well established/updated manual. Study findings suggested that it is not the type of crisis but the amount of devastation caused by the leadership when challenges are not dealt appropriately.  Some leaders were found relying on structure heavily and ignored other frames. Others followed the human resources role where the leader believed in people and communicated their belief and empowered others, at times ignoring their own growth and collaboration. The political role created cynicism and mistrust. Political leaders were too work oriented and were misunderstood to be amoral, scheming and unconcerned .Findings from this study provided not only an overview of leadership challenges and strategies during campus crisis, but insight into a variety of crisis types, and practical application strategies for higher educational administrators.