Background

The Galapagos Islands served as the birthplace for the survival of the fittest evolutionary theory constructed by Charles Darwin.  Charles Darwin originated from the United Kingdom and setoff on a cross-cultural journey to investigate his area of study(Darwin, 1967).  The results of that historic journey were the production of the theory of evolution, also known as the “survival of the fittest” phrase. Over time, the phrase “survival of the fittest” referred to those who were the best fit for the culture.  Higher education in contemporary times is a cornucopia of cultures across the world.  Higher education leaders and scholars exist in a highly international context with study abroad programs, multicultural competencies in curriculum, international student recruiting, and international research opportunities (Bound, Braga, Khanna, & Turner, 2021).

Aims

 What type of competencies will a higher education leader need to survive in the complexity of international intricacies? The study will apply aspects of the survival of the fittest as a theoretical structure for arguing the importance of adaptation to the culture and context through cross cultural positive psychology in higher education leadership. 

Method

 The qualitative method selected for this study to address the research question was a digital ethnography with a post-modern deconstructivistic approach to interpretation.  The multitude of data collection tools included iterative analysis of videos, photographs, interviews, observations, focus groups, artifacts, and cultural immersions. 

Results

 Results indicated that hope for survival of the fittest in international higher education leadership would relate to international goal setting, constructing multiple international competency pathways, and open-mindedness to resources and expertise both locally and across international cultures. 

Conclusion

The project contributes to the literature in international higher education leadership with implications on preparation, training, and development.  In addition, policies impacting a multitude of higher education constituencies and the greater good of society through cross-cultural psychology conversations on topics such as coping with the Covid-19 pandemic and environmental conservation efforts were included in the study.