Growth through Adversity: The Five Stages of the Epic Academic Leaders’ Journey in the New Normal

• Author(s): Amiel M. Yacon, Ph.d.
• Paper ID: 1704244
• Page: 196-200
• Published Date: 12-04-2023
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 6 Issue 10 April-2023

Abstract

The pandemic, if has not paralyzed some organizations, has resulted in so many drastic changes. It tests an individual’s commitment to the organization, mental health, and even his or her job satisfaction. In educational institutions, sudden organizational changes have made evident impacts on academic leaders in various ways.Specifically, this study’s objectives were to: (1) see through the experiences of the academic heads their expanding capacity to perform leadership roles in the organization amidst the adversity, which is the challenge in the new normal; and (2) identify the essence of their experiences in performing leadership roles in the organization amidst the adversity.The results revealed the themes which appear to be the combination of negative and positive impacts of the new normal on themselves and their leadership skills. Those are: (1) Tests and Enemies, (2) Ordeal, (3) Allies, Merit and Power (4), and (5) Return with Elixir. The chain of five themes is anchored on the 12 Stages of a Hero’s Journey in literature, specifically the journey of an epic hero. The academic heads are viewed to be epic heroes who are called for an adventure. Their lives are associated with a journey, making the new normal the call for an adventure, where they will have to encounter conflicts, support, and personal trials that will forge both their character and skills before they finally accomplish their mission. Therefore, each theme is viewed to be a stage in their journey as leaders.With these identified themes, it was concluded that: (1) different organizational conflicts are factors in their commitment development and job satisfaction, (2) pressure and fatigue cause the deterioration of their energy and that the perceived support of the organization and peer and family support including the trust given to them played an important role in preserving their drive and commitment as leaders, (3) they have evidently shown effective conflict management skills and organizational sensitivity, and (4) the new normal is the opportunity for them to expand their leadership skills despite the limitations, develop their flexibility and adaptability to organizational changes, and develop organizational sensitivity towards their subordinates. Culled from the thematic analysis and conclusions of this study, the following may be recommended: (1) the HR and management may continue providing mental wellness program for the employees; frequent conduct of this program is highly recommended; (2) prioritizing the mental health may benefit not only the academic heads but also the entire organization; (3) it is recommended that the management strengthen the organizational support and interdependency within the school as this highly combats the adverse effects of the new normal; and (4) the academic heads are recommended to attend training and workshops that focus on developing leadership skills in the new normal.

Keywords

New Normal, Growth through Adversity, Leadership, Support System, Challenges, Adversities, and Organizational Change

Citations

IRE Journals:
Amiel M. Yacon, Ph.d. "Growth through Adversity: The Five Stages of the Epic Academic Leaders’ Journey in the New Normal" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 6 Issue 10 2023 Page 196-200

IEEE:
Amiel M. Yacon, Ph.d. "Growth through Adversity: The Five Stages of the Epic Academic Leaders’ Journey in the New Normal" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 6(10)