Honors Theses
Date of Award
Spring 4-30-2024
Document Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Department
Public Policy Leadership
First Advisor
Joseph Holland
Second Advisor
Scott Kilpatrick
Third Advisor
Molly Pasco-Pranger
Relational Format
Dissertation/Thesis
Abstract
This thesis examines leadership through crisis contexts. I aim to answer two research questions. (1) How do crisis management frameworks intersect with the leadership strategies and characteristics of the person in charge? And (2) How must a leader adapt their natural leadership style and characteristics according to the nature and level of the crisis at hand to ensure leadership effectiveness? To answer these, a comparative case study analysis was performed on the following cases: Winston Churchill and World War II (Case one), George W. Bush and the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks (Case two), and Thad Allen and Hurricane Katrina (Case three). The above studies were analyzed using Pearson and Mittroff’s (1993) 4-variable crisis management framework, specifically focusing on adaptability at each crisis phase. Through analyzing the case studies, I found that during a crisis, certain traits, roles, and behaviors become more relevant to leadership. Adaptability, coalition-building, strong, consistent messaging, confident decision-making, and promoting communication and collaboration are the most important tools in a leader's toolbox during crisis.
Recommended Citation
Weatherington, Isabelle, "Adversity to Action: A Case Study Analysis of Crisis Leadership" (2024). Honors Theses. 3099.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/3099
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