Overcoming the Crisis: Actions Taken by Lithuanian Educational Institutions’ Leaders

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges to school leadership worldwide, requiring rapid adaptation and effective crisis management. This study examines the crisis response actions of school leaders (N = 226) in Lithuania, focusing on how they managed the immediate challenges posed by the pandemic. Drawing on qualitative data from a larger study, in this article, we analyse the principals’ and vice-principals’ educational decisions and actions through the lens of crisis management theory. For data analysis, the inductive version of thematic analysis was employed. The analysis of the research data revealed a central theme – Crisis management in schools during COVID-19, as well as six themes and each with two sub-themes. Study results show a dynamic and multifaceted response by school leaders, reflecting both immediate action and the evolution of strategies as the pandemic unfolded. The study results confirmed that school leaders made targeted and crisis-responsive management decisions to cope with the consequences of the challenging period. This research provides critical insights into the role of school leaders during crises.