Executive leadership insights: navigating crises with adaptive management competencies

Abstract

This study investigates the complex university management environment, specifically, universities of technology, seeking to unravel the complicated dynamics that describe changes in management competencies from regular operational periods to times of crisis. The goal is to comprehend how management competencies evolve in response to the unique challenges posed by crises, with a particular emphasis on the impact of the #FeesMustFall student protest and the COVID-19 pandemic. The exploratory research study employs a qualitative methodology that includes semi-structured online interviews conducted through videoconferencing, providing a safe and flexible platform for gathering real-time, audio-visual insights from participants, closely resembling traditional in-person interviews adhering to the strict COVID-19 pandemic requirements and Qualitative Content Analysis (QCA) enables a comprehensive exploration of management and crisis competencies. The findings of the study identify six critical changes executives make when a crisis evolves. Ultimately, this study provides a valuable contribution to understanding how university executives evolve and adapt their management competencies during crises, with the unprecedented backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic serving as a critical focal point.