Date

5-20-2026

Department

Graduate School of Business

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Organization and Management (PhD)

Chair

Jimmy Payne

Keywords

crisis leadership, high-stakes crisis, emotional regulation, experience-based decision-making, leadership effectiveness, organizational outcomes

Disciplines

Leadership Studies

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore how organizational leaders navigate high-stakes crises, with a focus on cognitive, emotional, and crisis response leadership processes, as well as decision-making, and organizational factors that influence outcomes. Grounded in a pragmatic research paradigm, this study explored the experiences of leaders across multiple industries that frequently encounter high-stakes crisis events. Research data was collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis to identify patterns and key themes. The findings revealed that crisis leadership is a dynamic and iterative process characterized by cognitive processing, emotional regulation, crisis response behaviors, and experience-based decision-making. Leaders consistently relied on prior experience to interpret evolving situations, regulate emotional responses, and make timely decisions under conditions of urgency and uncertainty. Communication emerged as a critical mechanism for coordinating team efforts, while effective leadership approaches emphasized adaptability, collaboration, and the ability to maintain composure in high-stress environments. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by providing an integrated, practice-oriented understanding of crisis leadership that extends beyond traditional command-and-control models. The findings offer practical insights for leadership development, training, and organizational preparedness, while advancing theoretical perspectives on leadership as an iterative, experience-driven process. These results provide a foundation for future research and support the development of more effective leadership strategies in high-stakes crisis environments.

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