Rectors' mediation and leadership in managing internal crises: Generative causes and types in Greek higher education institutions

Abstract

Internal conflicts and crises within Greek higher education institutions (HEIs) necessitate intervention from rectors or top-level administrators. We examine the root causes of crises stemming from legislative instability, resource constraints, and socio-political influences focusing on real-world challenges. This research highlights rectors’ over official state perspectives showcasing unique patterns of conflict, the implications for institutional governance and the need for structured mediation frameworks for the unique case of Greek HEIs. Qualitative methods were used including interviews with rectors from 72% of Greek public universities. A typology of conflicts was identified and strategies for effective mediation and crisis leadership were proposed. This study bridges the gap between theory and practice, offering an analytical model for institutional crisis management, integrating theoretical frameworks such as SCCT and  adaptive  leadership, being one of the most comprehensive, experience-based analyses of internal crises within national higher education systems. The findings underscore the critical role of leadership in conflict resolution that lower-level bodies cannot address, thus emphasizing the need for enhanced mediation frameworks. This research contributes to the field by addressing gaps in crisis management in HEIs, offering practical recommendations for navigating institutional crises and providing a foundation for further studies in higher education.