Crisis Management in Chinese Higher Education Institutions: International Comparisons, Digital Transformation, and Organizational Resilience

Xiaolan Zheng

doi:10.6918/IJOSSER.202508_8(8).0033

Authors

Xiaolan Zheng

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.6918/IJOSSER.202508_8(8).0033

Keywords:

Crisis management; Chinese higher education; digital governance; organizational resilience; stakeholder engagement.

Abstract

This paper provides an in-depth analysis of crisis management in Chinese higher education institutions (HEIs), focusing on strategic innovations, structural challenges, and evolving stakeholder roles in the context of increasing global integration and digital transformation. Drawing on empirical studies, government reports, and international comparative research, this study examine Chinese universities’ unique dual-governance structures and crisis management models, highlighting emerging trends such as the adoption of AI-powered emergency platforms, the development of organizational resilience frameworks, and the integration of big data analytics into early warning systems. Through international comparisons, especially with American and European HEIs, this article demonstrates both the strengths and shortcomings of Chinese approaches—such as legal ambiguities, resource disparities, and information transparency issues. It further discusses the impact of digital activism and multi-channel stakeholder engagement on crisis outcomes. Finally, the paper proposes policy recommendations for legal harmonization, resource redistribution, and the advancement of campus resilience through evidence-based and participatory approaches. The findings underscore the necessity of balancing social stability and agile crisis response in building robust higher education systems in China.

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