This chapter presents the empirical research methodology used in the study concerning defensive strategies against detrimental effects of fake leadership in higher education institutions (HEIs). It describes the research design, research sample (consisting of 506 employees of HEIs from four European countries—France, Poland, Spain, the United Kingdom), data collection methods, and variables together with the analysis of validity and reliability of their measurement scales (exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, alpha Cronbach analysis, and K-M-O analysis). This chapter shows the results of statistical analysis (path analysis and multigroup path analysis based on regression models) aimed at verification of hypotheses concerning fake leadership’s influence on job performance, brand commitment, and organizational destruction in HEIs and the mitigating role of organizational (academic values, fair election procedures, authority figures) and individual (refraining from activity, avoiding responsibility, building alliances, rigorously following procedures, balancing conformity, seeking help inside and outside the organization) defensive strategies. Based on the results, the effective defensive strategies for HEIs are identified on both organizational and individual level.