Abstract:

In a world that is fluctuating and rapidly changing, leadership becomes more important than ever. Leadership is perceived as a fundamental value that can bring a change within the organization and the community. Leaders are challenged every day, and even more when a crisis strikes. Leaders need to concentrate not only on how to direct the organization forward but also guide people and increase their self-confidence and sense of security. Leaders are necessary to inspire others to achieve their goals. In the recent unstable world environment, crisis poses a threat and thus changes the organization’s dynamics, obligating leaders to address the needs of the volatile situation. Nowaday, a crisis leadership needs to focus on an adequate response. The paper explains how effective leadership can help organizations or communities to overcome a crisis and direct the organization forward. The paper demonstrates four steps that each leader should undertake and monitor. These steps are: motivation, stress management, trust, and communication plan. We demonstrate in our study that leadership and crisis management are crucial for the survival and well-being of the higher education organization. Universities are portrayed as leading organizations that help to debate and examine the most effective ways to support the community in times of crisis. The importance of effective leadership in times of crisis in higher education is reflected in the students' engagement and their educational progress.

Keywords:

Leadership crisis management higher education motivation.