Abstract—This study investigates the concept of "institutional way power" and its significance in guiding Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) through the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The research emphasizes the necessity for HEIs to enhance their capabilities, activities, and engagements to effectively navigate the internationalization landscape of higher education. Employing a comprehensive qualitative documentary approach, the study utilizes constructivist grounded theory to develop a crisis-ready model for institutional way power in higher education internationalization. Through an inductive analysis of scholarly articles, key themes were identified, leading to the formulation of strategies for post-COVID-19 internationalization. The findings highlight that internationalization enhances institutional reputation through teaching, research, industry collaboration, and a global perspective. To achieve global success, HEIs must adapt by attracting international students and scholars, promoting cross-border cooperation, and prioritizing excellence. The study underscores the importance of adopting comprehensive digital approaches, including globally grounded programs, flexible teaching models, and technology integration. Effective crisis management necessitates balancing individual and societal interests, adapting institutional structures, and improving digital access. Additionally, digital health platforms are essential for student well-being, and fostering symbiotic relationships facilitates knowledge sharing. Strategic partnerships and resource allocation are vital to address financial challenges, while cultural exchange and recognizing language as a resource are crucial for HEIs. These insights offer valuable guidance for HEIs aiming to enhance internationalization efforts and strengthen their service delivery reputation in the evolving higher education landscape.
 

Keywords—higher education internationalization, institutional reputation, service delivery, way-power, crisis management

Cite: Lizl Steynberg and Jan P. Grundling, "Navigation in the Dynamic Internationalization Landscape of Post-COVID-19 Higher Education to Improve Institutional Reputation in Service Delivery," International Journal of Learning and Teaching, Vol. 12, No. 1, pp. 1-9, 2026.

Copyright © 2026 by the authors. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited (CC BY 4.0).