Perceptions of best practices for higher education administrators in times of crisis

ABSTRACT The combination of remote teaching, family care-taking responsibilities, quarantine, and furloughs and layoffs for faculty and students alike has arguably put hospitality and tourism educators in a uniquely challenging space. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify best practices for higher education administrators during times of crisis, using the case of the COVID-19 global pandemic. Qualitative analysis was performed on in-depth interviews of hospitality and tourism educators working in United States institutions. Analysis of the data resulted in four themes: Flexibility, Concern, Value, and Effective Communication. Practical implications point toward offering flexible work schedules whenever possible, demonstrating concern for employees through expressed interest in well-being and commensurate measures that promote it, and emphasizing they are valued, all through open and meaningful communication measures. The findings of the study also build on our understanding of organization support theory and perceived organizational and supervisory support during times of crisis.