How COVID-19 Influences Chinese Higher Education Leadership Effectiveness and Countermeasures: A Case Study in Yunnan Province

This study seeks to investigate the effects of COVID-19 on middle-level administration in higher education (HE) and to propose solutions to existing problems. The interview included 12 leaders from HE institutions in Yunnan province. Thematic analysis revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic had the greatest impact on college leadership performance in five areas: teaching achievement, student management, the normal performance of personnel quality, organization operation, and school cost. Meanwhile, four countermeasures were recommended, including improving leaders’ forward-thinking ability; increasing their awareness of innovation; strengthening their work coordination; and enhancing their ability to handle internet public opinion.