Stakeholders’ Perspectives on Strategies and Leadership Roles of Crisis Management in K-12 Government Schools in the UAE.

Abstract

This study examines crisis management in K-12 government schools in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), it addresses stakeholders' perspectives, demographic influences, implemented strategies, and leadership roles during crises. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative semi-structured interviews with quantitative surveys and crisis inventory to gather comprehensive data. The participants included cluster managers, school leaders and teachers from UAE government schools. The analytical methods involve thematic analysis of the interviews, with statistical analysis of the questionnaire and crisis inventory by using ANOVA, independent sample t-test and descriptive statistics. Differentiations in managing crises are also explored based on different leadership positions. The key findings revealed that stakeholders recognize the importance of crisis management and share common knowledge of early warning signs, though their preparedness levels vary significantly according to demographic factors such as experience and professional roles. The study also revealed common strategies such as comprehensive crisis management preparedness, crisis plans, stakeholder communication, and mental health support, but application varies across different schools. Leadership roles significantly impact the design and execution of these strategies, highlighting the need for better coordination between principals, cluster managers, and teachers. The study underscores gaps in localized training and adaptation of global best practices of crisis to the UAE's unique socio-cultural and environmental context. Recommendations include establishing regular crisis drills, fostering collaboration with community resources and enhancing training programs tailored to the region's specific needs. Policymakers are advised to develop robust, context-sensitive frameworks integrating stakeholder input to ensure effective implementation. This research contributes to the broader discourse on educational crisis management, bridging gaps in UAE-specific studies. It provides actionable insights to bolster the resilience of educational institutions to ensure safety and continuity during future crises.

Keywords: crisis management, crisis, management, education, K-12 schools, UAE, crisis in education.