Impact of psychological safety and inclusive leadership on online learning satisfaction: the role of organizational support

Abstract The appeal of online education within the academic community has grown significantly due to advancements in technology and increased investments made during the pandemic. Despite the rapid expansion of research in online education, most studies have concentrated on technology and teaching techniques, overlooking social factors that also play a crucial role in students’ contentment with online learning. This study uses quantitative methods to investigate the impact of selected social variables on students’ satisfaction with online education. The research employed a designed questionnaire to gather data from African students engaged in online studies abroad. The collected data was then analyzed using SPSS-AMOS version 23. The study utilized a hierarchical linear regression model to assess the influence of different variables on students’ satisfaction with online education. The findings revealed that psychological safety and inclusive leadership positively influenced students’ satisfaction with online education. Conversely, perceived organizational support and learner–learner interaction adversely affected students’ satisfaction in the online learning environment. Moreover, the research highlighted that psychological safety, inclusive leadership, and perceived organizational support positively influenced learner–learner interaction. Additionally, perceived organizational support was identified as a moderator, affecting the relationships between other variables and students’ satisfaction with online education. Because of these findings, educational institutions and researchers are recommended to recognize social constructs’ critical role in students’ satisfaction with online education. It is essential to broaden the focus beyond technological aspects and teaching methods, as social variables are equally vital for students to have a fulfilling academic experience in online education.