Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

2025

Document Type

Dissertation - NSU Access Only

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice

Advisor

Gloria Kieley

Committee Member

Jaime Arango

Committee Member

Kimberly Durham

Keywords

Higher education, private institutions, public institutions, virtual leadership, training and development, emotional intelligence

Abstract

This applied qualitative dissertation explored virtual leadership in higher education, examining virtual leaders' perceptions of training and development and emotional intelligence. Using an inductive research approach, data were collected through semistructured interviews and a questionnaire distributed via Google Forms to eight virtual leaders from public and private higher education institutions. Data were analyzed using interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) and thematic analysis to identify key patterns and themes. Findings revealed distinctions between public and private institutions. In public institutions, training and development focused on faculty preparedness, resourcefulness in overcoming limitations, and its impact on student engagement. In private institutions, training was strategically aligned with institutional goals, faculty motivation, and competitive positioning. Emotional intelligence was essential in both sectors but applied differently; public institution leaders used it to build trust, foster engagement, and combat isolation, whereas private sector leaders leveraged it to enhance resilience, resolve conflicts, and drive motivation in high-pressure environments. This study offers insights into virtual leadership practices, emphasizing the need for targeted training and emotional intelligence strategies to improve leadership effectiveness in higher education. Findings contribute to the growing body of research on virtual leadership and may inform leadership development programs, institutional policies, and strategies to support effective virtual leadership in higher education.

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