Exploring Leadership Challenges in VUCA Times in a Higher Educational Institution During the COVID-19 Pandemic in South Africa
Abstract
Purpose of the study: The COVID-19 pandemic challenged the status quo in Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) in South Africa and pressured academic leaders to rethink their models of engagement to meet the demands of the changing environment. The COVID-19 crisis presented high levels of volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA). This study thus sought to identify the challenges faced by academic leaders in a Department at a public university in South Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Design/methodology/approach: The qualitative research approach was employed, and purposive sampling used. The study drew on semi-structured interviews with 10 academic leaders in a Department from the HEI. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.
Findings: The results of the study indicated that the pandemic presented a unique set of leadership challenges, including a crisis management dilemma, and a digital transformation paradox. The COVID-19 pandemic demanded quick decision-making, but the results highlighted issues with delayed responses and inconsistent communication from the University's top executive. The transformation was almost immediate and that fueled anxiety and chaos for staff. The digital paradox lay in the fact that although the transformation heavily relied on technological systems and tools, the transformation, however, depended on the willingness of staff to accept and embrace the change. The intensity of the situation resulted in academic leaders indicating that their personal lives had been impacted due to blurred boundaries between work and home, and that their health had also suffered as a result.
Recommendations/value: The study contributes to a better understanding of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on academic leaders, and also how to better address challenges during VUCA times.
Managerial implications: Shared leadership, collaboration, solid procedures to manage a crisis, and strategies to facilitate change could be employed to better manage the challenges presented during a pandemic.