Strategic leadership and organisational change in distance and e-learning contexts

Abstract

The rapid expansion of e-learning, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has reshaped the educational landscape, necessitating strategic leadership and organisational change. This study examines the pivotal role of strategic leadership in navigating the complexities of digital learning environments and driving successful e-learning initiatives. A comprehensive literature review and data analysis were conducted, utilising sources from the US, West African countries, China and other Asian and European nations. The findings highlight the importance of digital competence, visionary leadership and effective change management strategies in implementing e-learning. Challenges such as technology access disparities, digital fluency and integrating interactive learning tools were identified. The emergence of e-leadership, emphasising adaptability and fostering positive digital learning environments, was also noted. Strategic leadership and organisational change are critical in successfully adopting and managing distance and e-learning. Therefore, policy makers should prioritise addressing technology access gaps, enhancing digital literacy and supporting educators and students. Visionary leadership must be cultivated to steer educational institutions through the evolving demands of the 21st century. The study needs longitudinal data on the long-term impact of e-learning on student outcomes to deal with its limitations and thoroughly examine the financial implications of transitioning to e-learning for educational institutions.