The success of situational leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic: fact or furore?

Abstract

Implementing the critical incident technique, this study qualitatively explores why certain businesses survived and even thrived amid trying circumstances that shook the world during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020/2021. Involving two diverse sectors – technology and health – virtual interviews with representatives of 17 companies produced insightful evidence concerning the merit of situational management styles. Measures to prevent businesses’ downfall and facilitating conditions for growth and success are reported, amplifying the importance of manager-employee-client interaction, and a balanced work- home life. Furthermore, subtle differences between the two sectors concerning the factors that are conducive to achieve successful project outcomes accentuate the relevance of a particular situation/context.