Online Orientation and Leadership: An Examination of Student Success and Locus of Control in an Online Environment

Abstract

Using a two phased mixed method this researcher sought to investigate the relationship between student success and online orientation quiz scores as well as to describe the characteristics of successful students in an online learning environment. The findings of the quantitative phase indicated that the quiz scores differed between the successful versus non-successful students. Although the relationship was statistically significant it was considered weak due to the confidence interval. However, it did provide a basis for determining the qualitative sample. During the qualitative phase student interviews brought a deeper understanding to the concept of success, where locus of control emerged as the most important underlying motivator in the students' concept of achievement. The findings corroborated prior research indicating that students with internal locus of control have better success in their personal and professional lives, though not always academically. The current research was important because prior research on locus of control and online education was inadequate. The relationship between locus of control and leadership was also explored, though prior research was limited there as well. Recommendations for leadership in higher education or businesses to increase an awareness of locus of control during orientations may increase overall performance, satisfaction and retention of students and employees.

Keywords: online education, locus of control, leadership, orientation, online orientation, Mindsets, retention, persistence, motivation, resilience, mixed methods