Abstract
Crises are inherently uncertain, complex, and dynamic, requiring organizational leaders to adopt adaptive approaches to decision making. Traditional hierarchical and rigid leadership models often fail under such conditions, as they cannot accommodate the rapid changes and high-stakes uncertainty characteristic of crises. Adaptive leadership, which emphasizes flexibility, learning, stakeholder engagement, and iterative problem-solving, has emerged as a critical framework for effective crisis administration. This theoretical paper explores the principles of adaptive leadership, its relevance in crisis management, and its influence on decision-making processes. By synthesizing the literature on leadership theory, organizational resilience, and crisis governance, the paper highlights strategies for implementing adaptive leadership in administrative contexts, identifies challenges, and suggests avenues for future research. The findings underscore the importance of fostering organizational cultures that support adaptability, collaboration, and innovation during high-pressure situations.