Dimensions of leadership in higher education distance education

The study investigated the role and meaning of leadership in higher education distance education. It found that distance education within higher education lags behind that of other organizations and businesses. A review of the literature revealed a clear distinction between managing and leading distance education. The review also revealed that higher education distance education leadership foci could be categorized into six elements. The elements are quality of education, planning, implementation, resources and support. Within those elements different leaders focused on a variety of leadership themes that could be categorized into four themes. Those themes were faculty impacts, student impacts, policy impacts, and system changes. The results of this study provide those wishing to further develop higher education distance delivery, with information on how to maximize their efforts.