UNIVERSITY STRATEGIC RESPONSE TO PANDEMIC CHALLENGES: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW AND THE CASE OF KAZAKHSTAN

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to answer three main questions of the study: (1) What is the opinion of scientists on the response measures of universities to the challenges of the pandemic? (2) What measures that aff ected the higher education sector were taken by the authorized bodies in Kazakhstan during the pandemic? (3) What measures were taken by the universities of Kazakhstan during the pandemic to minimize the risks of the spread of the disease and ensure the quality of the services provided?Methodology. Authors used the method of systematic literature review and content analysis of government regulations and academic policies of universities.Originality / value of the research. The study contributes to understanding the responses of universities to crisis situations such as the pandemic based on a systematic review of the literature. The article also provides a detailed and chronological analysis of the measures taken by state bodies and universities in Kazakhstan to ensure the quality of education during a pandemic.Findings. According to a review of the scientifi c literature, leadership qualities and building eff ective communication on the part of university leaders played a key role in successfully overcoming the crisis at the beginning of the pandemic. Also of particular importance was the promotion of a culture of trust and compassion. In Kazakhstan, the main role of the crisis manager was played by the Ministry of Education and Science, which timely initiated changes in the documents regulating the process of higher education. Some universities have also taken additional measures to minimize the risks from the pandemic and ensure the quality of education.