Crisis Leadership in Healthcare : Organizational Learning from Pandemic Failures

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed critical weaknesses in healthcare leadership and organizational preparedness worldwide. This paper examines crisis leadership failures during the pandemic and explores how healthcare organizations can implement organizational learning frameworks to improve future crisis response. Through analysis of documented failures in supply chain management, communication strategies, and decision-making processes, this study identifies key leadership competencies required for effective crisis management. The research synthesizes lessons learned from multiple healthcare systems and proposes a comprehensive organizational learning model for healthcare crisis leadership. Findings suggest that adaptive leadership, transparent communication, and systematic knowledge management are essential components of resilient healthcare organizations. The paper concludes with recommendations for leadership development programs and organizational restructuring to enhance crisis preparedness.