ABSTRACT
The need for buy-in toward online learning initiatives is multipronged. The Pyramid of Online Learning Support shows us that leadership support in its many forms exists at the top of and bottom of the pyramid, surrounding the players in the delivery, creation, and consumer of online learning. This chapter discusses institutions requiring buy-in need the support of the infrastructure tier of the pyramid to understand the operational ends of the institution as a whole to prepare accurate analyses. It reviews theories and models of leadership as they specifically relate to managing an online learning program and/or online learning support unit. The chapter examines various leadership styles and their dynamics in an educational environment to determine leadership effectiveness. An educational environment is no different, albeit leadership is controlled by a variety of stakeholders, which can have a major impact on pursuing, let alone achieving, goals. Leadership is very different from management and serves a different purpose.
