Leading in a Time of Crisis: The Coronavirus Effect on Leadership in America

Asian Journal of Economic, Business and Accounting 2024 - Volume 24 [Issue 4]

20 Pages Posted: 24 Feb 2024

See all articles by Chinasa Susan Adigwe

Chinasa Susan Adigwe

University of the Cumberlands

Oluwaseun Oladeji Olaniyi

University of the Cumberlands

Oladotun Olagbaju

University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Folashade Gloria Olaniyi

Independent

Date Written: February 20, 2024

Abstract

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, an unprecedented global health emergency, the study explores the vulnerabilities and challenges faced by leadership. The crisis, exemplified by issues such as the misinformation around Omicron Boosters in rural America, has brought to light the complex interplay between leadership, public health initiatives, and societal dynamics. This scenario underscores the study's aim: to analyze and understand the specific attributes, styles, and communication strategies that define effective crisis leadership within the American context. Adopting a quantitative research methodology, the study conducted a survey with 521 respondents, encompassing a diverse cross-section of American society, including members of minority communities, volunteers, students, healthcare workers, business owners, and residents of areas significantly impacted by the pandemic. The survey, focused on collecting data through a structured questionnaire, to assess the interplay between the independent variables (transparency, empathy, stakeholder engagement, context-sensitive leadership style, adaptable leadership styles, targeted communication, and culturally sensitive communication strategies) and the dependent variables (success of crisis leadership and improved crisis management), using Likert scale questions. The data collected were used to test the hypothesis, using regression analysis. The findings reveal significant insights: transparency, empathy, and engagement with stakeholders are crucial for successful crisis leadership; context-sensitive and adaptable leadership styles are more effective than rigid ones in diverse crisis scenarios; and targeted, culturally sensitive communication strategies significantly improve crisis management outcomes. These results underscore the multifaceted nature of crisis leadership and the importance of nuanced, adaptable approaches in times of uncertainty while the study agrees with the assertions of McGregor Burns (2004) and Kouzes and Posner (2023) on the leader’s competencies as key to successful leadership in moments of crisis, this study further reveals the vitality of stakeholders’ engagement and contributions in crisis leadership. Also, while the study’s findings align with those of Erickson (2021) on transparency in communication, the study further reveal that exhibiting empathy along with transparency is very essential in crisis leadership. Therefore, the study recommends developing leadership qualities that emphasize transparency, empathy, and stakeholder engagement, and enhancing adaptability in leadership styles. Additionally, it highlights the need for culturally sensitive communication strategies, tailored to diverse audiences.

Suggested Citation

Adigwe, Chinasa Susan and Olaniyi, Oluwaseun Oladeji and Olagbaju, Oladotun and Olaniyi, Folashade Gloria, Leading in a Time of Crisis: The Coronavirus Effect on Leadership in America (February 20, 2024). Asian Journal of Economic, Business and Accounting 2024 - Volume 24 [Issue 4], Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4733125

Chinasa Susan Adigwe

University of the Cumberlands

Oluwaseun Oladeji Olaniyi (Contact Author)

University of the Cumberlands ( email )

6178 College Station Drive
Williamsburg, KY 40769
United States

HOME PAGE: http://www.ucumberlands.edu

Oladotun Olagbaju

University of Arkansas at Little Rock ( email )

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