Ál-fâhim: Jurnal Manajemen Pendidikan Islam
Volume 6 No. 2. March-September 2024
ISSN: 2656-226X; E-ISSN: 2656-6036
DOI: 10.54396/alfahim.v6i2.1457
Transformative Leadership of School Principals in Improving the Quality
of Education from an Islamic Perspective
Muhammad Ridho Fatkhul Humam1, Mulya Putra2, Mahbub Humaidi Aziz3,
Bima Fandi Asy’arie 4
Universitas Islam Negeri Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang, Indonesia,1,2,3,4
Email:
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected]
Abstract: This research aims to identify the application, components of
the transformational leadership style, and analyze how this leadership
style is applied in an Islamic perspective. This research is field research,
where the type used is multisite using a qualitative approach. This
research focuses on the Humanities Vocational School and At-Tayyibah
Middle School, Kerinci Regency, Jambi Province. The findings of the
discussion in this article, First. Implementation of TL in Humanities
Vocational Schools to increase commitment and performance. Where, the
role of the school principal is to maintain a harmonious work atmosphere
and provide continuous moral support, to increase loyalty and work
morale. Then, the principal also increases learning innovation and
includes space for participation in decision-making. On the other hand,
implementing TL at At-Tayyibah Middle School increases commitment
and performance. Where the efforts made by the school principal are to
have a strong sense of empathy towards the school community. Apart
from that, the principal provides space for all school members to make
decisions and can provide maximum performance. Second, the
transformational leadership component is proven by the presence of a
charismatic, firm, polite, courteous attitude, able to solve various
problems, and trying to form superior students who can realize school
goals under the desired achievements. Third, transformative leadership in
an Islamic perspective includes providing the concept of deliberation in
Islam called (shura); providing an attitude of justice and empowering
equality among the school community; creating individual development
and encouraging innovation under Islamic principles; and Providing
moral and spiritual support to all school members.
Keywords: Transformative Leadership, Improving the Quality of
Education, School Principals, Educational Development.
Introduction
A phenomenon that often appears in the world of education is the low
quality of education. This is reflected in the low academic results of
students, teacher motivation in learning, and the leadership of the principal,
|Submitted: July 23, 2024
| Accepted: Sept 20, 2024
| Published: Sept 30, 2024
343
M. Ridho Fatkhul Humam, Mulya Putra, Mahbub Humaidi Aziz, Bima Fandi Asy’arie
as well as the reflection of Islamic values in schools.1Some of the main
factors related to low academic achievement of students are lack of parental
support, motivation to learn, and less than optimal teaching techniques of
teachers. In addition, low teacher motivation in the learning process. Low
teacher motivation can cause teaching methods to be uninspired, which has
a negative impact on student learning outcomes. 2This condition is
increasingly apparent from the limited active participation of teachers,
students, and parents as a form of support in improving the quality of
education in schools.3In addition, the authoritarian policies of the principal
can limit wider school involvement. This occurs because of the
micropolitical dynamics in the decision-making process, which can be
influenced by certain groups.4From the above problems, it is necessary to
note that it does not occur in Educational Institutions led by the principal.
Therefore, it is important to apply a relevant leadership style to improve the
quality of education with a more participatory approach and based on
Islamic values.
Style Leadership is the main key to building the quality of education
in Indonesia because quality education will be the key to producing
competent, competitive, and integrated human resources. 5,6However,
improving the quality of education is a challenge for educators, which is
currently an important issue in various regions, especially underdeveloped
regions. One of the factors that plays an important role in improving the
quality of education is the leadership style of the principal in several
1 Mallika Vasugi Govindarajoo, Navina D. Selvarajoo, and Mohd Sofi Ali,
“Factors Contributing to Poor Academic Achievement Among Low Performing
Pupils: A Case Study,” Asian Journal of University Education 18, no. 4 (October
2022): 981–97, https://doi.org/10.24191/ajue.v18i4.20008.
2 Groop Maija, Groop Tiinamaija, and Thorn Antti, “The Use of Team Teaching
Methods to Increase Student Interest and Achievement,” World Psychology 2, no. 1
(July 2023): 1–10, https://doi.org/10.55849/wp.v2i1.388.
3 I Putu Ayub Darmawan et al., "Community Participation in Improving the
Quality of Education During the Covid-19 Pandemic," Devotion: Journal of Research
and
Community
Service
3,
no.
10
(August
2022):
946–52,
https://doi.org/10.36418/dev.v3i10.205.
4 Shina Olayiwola and Kingsley Alabi, “The Micropolitics of School Principals'
Decision Making in Nigeria: Principals' Perspective,” International Journal of
Educational Leadership and Management 3, no. 2 (July 2015): 173–91,
https://doi.org/10.17583/ijelm.2015.1441.
5 Anne Nurdiana, “The Role of Leadership in Human Resource Management to
Improve the Quality of Education at STAI Siliwangi Garut,” Jurnal Ekonomi Utama
2, no. 3 (November 2023): 278–86, https://doi.org/10.55903/juria.v2i3.127.
6 Raden Fatchul Hilal, Ika Nurul Qamari, and Siswoyo Haryono, “The Role of
Education and Training Institutions in Preparing Competent Human Resources
Development,” TEST Engineering & Management 83 (May 2020): 8938–47.
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Transformative Leadership of School Principals in Improving the Quality of Education
educational institutions.7The right leadership style can move all elements of
the school, including teachers, students, and education personnel, to work
together to achieve better educational goals. A principal who has a clear
vision is able to innovate, and supports teacher professional development
can create a conducive and quality learning environment.8Therefore, the
leadership style of the principal needs to receive more attention in efforts to
improve the quality of education, especially in areas that are still lagging
behind. Thus, effective and inclusive leadership strategies are the key to
answering these challenges and driving educational progress throughout
Indonesia.
Transformative Leadership (TL) has been recognized as one of the
effective leadership approaches in managing and advancing educational
institutions.9In this context, the Principal as a transformational leader acts as
an administrator and agent of change who (...truncated)
