Empowering Educators: A Study on the Impact of Principals’ Transformational Leadership on Teacher Performance

Devi Radnasari; Wewen Andrianto

doi:10.61987/jemr.v4i1.787

Authors

Devi Radnasari Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Kalijaga
Wewen Andrianto Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Kalijaga

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61987/jemr.v4i1.787

Keywords:

Transformational Leadership, Teacher Performance, School Principal

Abstract

This study explores the impact of transformational leadership strategies employed by the principal on improving teacher performance. Transformational leadership, characterized by inspiring and motivating teachers, plays a crucial role in fostering an environment conducive to professional growth. This qualitative case study examines how the principal’s leadership strategies—such as clear vision communication, individualized support, and fostering collaboration—have influenced teacher motivation, engagement, and overall performance. Data were collected through interviews, observations, and documentation, and analyzed using Miles and Huberman’s qualitative data analysis framework. Findings indicate that the principal’s integrated transformational strategies have led to enhanced teacher performance, with teachers reporting greater motivation, adoption of innovative teaching methods, and improved student engagement. The principal’s clear and inspiring vision was also found to play a key role in aligning teachers' individual goals with the broader objectives of the school. This research contributes to the field of educational leadership by providing empirical evidence on the practical application of transformational leadership in a rural school context, highlighting its potential to improve teacher performance even in resource-constrained environments.

References

Al-Husseini, S., El Beltagi, I., & Moizer, J. (2021). Transformational Leadership and Innovation: The Mediating Role of Knowledge Sharing amongst Higher Education Faculty. International Journal of Leadership in Education, 24(5), 670–693. https://doi.org/10.1080/13603124.2019.1588381

Alzoraiki, M., Ahmad, A. R., Ateeq, A. A., Naji, G. M. A., Almaamari, Q., & Beshr, B. A. H. (2023). Impact of Teachers' Commitment to the Relationship Between Transformational Leadership and Sustainable Teaching Performance. Sustainability (Switzerland), 15(5), 4620. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15054620

Anastasiou, S., & Garametsi, V. (2021). Perceived Leadership Style and Job Satisfaction of Teachers in Public and Private Schools. International Journal of Management in Education, 15(1), 58–77. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJMIE.2021.111817

Asror, M., Mahfudloh, R. I., Kusaeri, K., & Rusydiyah, E. F. (2023). Educational Innovation of Islamic Boarding Schools in Indonesia and Malaysia in Facing the 21st Century Challenges. Jurnal Tarbiyatuna, 14(1), 27–50. https://doi.org/10.31603/tarbiyatuna.v14i1.8802

Bellibaş, M. Ş., Kılınç, A. Ç., & Polatcan, M. (2021). The Moderation Role of Transformational Leadership in the Effect of Instructional Leadership on Teacher Professional Learning and Instructional Practice: An Integrated Leadership Perspective. Educational Administration Quarterly, 57(5), 776–814. https://doi.org/10.1177/0013161X211035079

Enita, F., & Wening, N. (2023). Systematic Literature Review: Analysis of the Influence of Transformational Leadership Style and Work Motivation on Teacher Performance. JHSS (Journal of Humanities and Social Studies), 08(01), 95–99.

Faiz, H., Al-Amin, M. F., & Mundiri, A. (2023). Transforming Organizational Quality Through Effective Administrative Training. Communautaire: Journal of Community Service, 2(2), 157–167. https://doi.org/10.61987/communautaire.v2i2.352

Fathih, M. A., Supriyatno, T., & Amin Nur, M. (2021). Visionary Leadership of the Head of Diniyah Madrasah in Improving the Quality Santri. Nidhomul Haq: Jurnal Manajemen Pendidikan Islam, 6(3), 513–525. https://doi.org/10.31538/ndh.v6i3.1527

Fatimah, H., & Syahrani, S. (2022). Leadership Strategies in Overcoming Educational Problems. Indonesian Journal of Education (INJOE), 3(2), 282–290. https://doi.org/10.54443/injoe.v3i2.34

Fischer, T., & Sitkin, S. B. (2023). Leadership Styles: A Comprehensive Assessment and Way Forward. Academy of Management Annals, 17(1), 331–372. https://doi.org/10.5465/annals.2020.0340

Helmi, M., & Sari, N. P. (2021). Implementation of the Synergy of Transformational-Servant Leadership Character in Islamic Boarding School. Journal of Leadership in Organizations, 3(2), 173–192. https://doi.org/10.22146/jlo.65642

Hermawan, F., Purnomo, H., Kusumastuti, D., Fitriana, R., Octaleny, E., Ie, M., & Sudadi. (2024). The Role of

Transformational Leadership, Job Satisfaction and Organizational Commitment on Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB) of SMEs Employees in the Digital Era. Journal of Infrastructure, Policy and Development, 8(7), 5194. https://doi.org/10.24294/jipd.v8i7.5194

Juhaeni, A., Sanusi, A., Wasliman, I., & Hanafiah, H. (2021). Strategic Management of Quality Improvement of Madrasah Aliyah Graduates in Modern Islamic Boarding Schools. Tarbawi: Jurnal Keilmuan Manajemen Pendidikan, 7(01), 33–46.

Kant, D. S., & Asefa, K. (2023). Transformational Educational Leadership Effect on Staff Members Engagement: The Mediating Impact of Intrinsic Motivation. Journal Research of Social Science, Economics, and Management, 3(5), 1130–1141. https://doi.org/10.59141/jrssem.v3i5.301

Ladkin, D., & Patrick, C. B. (2022). Whiteness in Leadership Theorizing: A Critical Analysis of Race in Bass' Transformational Leadership Theory. Leadership, 18(2), 205–223. https://doi.org/10.1177/17427150211066442

Lin, W., Yin, H., & Liu, Z. (2022). The Roles of Transformational Leadership and Growth Mindset in Teacher Professional Development: The Mediation of Teacher Self-Efficacy. Sustainability, 14(11), 6489. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14116489

Maisyura, M., Aisyah, T., & Ilham, R. N. (2022). Transformational Leadership in Organizational Transformation. Jurnal Ekonomi, 11(03), 478–488.

Marzuki, A. (2023). Wisdom in Action: Village Kiai's Leading the Charge in Non-Formal Education Advancement. Education and Sociedad Journal, 1(1), 42–52. https://doi.org/10.61987/edsojou.v1i1.527

McCarthy, A. M., Maor, D., McConney, A., & Cavanaugh, C. (2023). Digital Transformation in Education: Critical Components for Leaders of System Change. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 8(1), 100479. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2023.100479

Meng, H. (2022). Analysis of the Relationship Between Transformational Leadership and Educational Management in Higher Education Based on Deep Learning. Computational Intelligence and Neuroscience, 2022(1), 5287922. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/5287922

Muali, C., Ridwan, R., Huda, H., & Akbar, A. R. (2022). Improving Teacher Work Discipline in Madrasah Through Charismatic Leadership. AL-TANZIM: Jurnal Manajemen Pendidikan Islam, 6(1), 281–294. https://doi.org/10.33650/al-tanzim.v6i1.3302

Mulisa, F. (2022). When Does a Researcher Choose a Quantitative, Qualitative, or Mixed Research Approach? Interchange, 53(1), 113–131. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10780-021-09447-z

Nasri, U. (2023). Exploring Qualitative Research: A Comprehensive Guide to Case Study Methodology. Al-Hikmah: Jurnal Studi Islam, 4(3), 72–85. https://ejournal.kopertais4.or.id/sasambo/index.php/alhikmah/article/view/5627

Noer, M. U. (2023). The Principal Leadership in Indonesian Islamic School: The Strategy in Shaping the Academic Professionalism. Eduvest - Journal of Universal Studies, 3(6), 1186–1194. https://doi.org/10.59188/eduvest.v3i6.851

Ojogiwa, O. T. (2021). The Crux of Strategic Leadership for a Transformed Public Sector Management in Nigeria. International Journal of Business and Management Studies, 13(1), 83–96.

Purwanto, A., & Wafa, A. (2023). Interpersonal Communication Strategies in Building an Image of Contigency Perspective of Accommodation. Managere: Indonesian Journal of Educational Management, 5(3), 267–279. https://doi.org/10.52627/managere.v5i3.281

Riyanti, A., Sabda, S., & Imani, M. (2023). Path Analysis of the Influence of Teacher Perception on Managerial Competency and Principal Supervision on Teacher Performance. Jurnal Pendidikan Tambusai, 7(1), 2106–2110.

Sirait, D. (2021). The Influence of Principal Transformational Leadership, Work Culture and Work Environment on Teacher Performance in State Senior High Schools Throughout Banjarbaru City. J Adv Educ Philos, 5(12), 391–400.

Tang, W. G., Stordeur, S., Vandenberghe, C., & D'hoore, W. (2024). Leaders' Individualized Consideration, Team Commitment and Patient Loyalty: The Role of Social and Task-Related Contexts. Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology, 97(3), 1185–1211. https://doi.org/10.1111/joop.12511

Tian, M., & Huber, S. G. (2021). Mapping the International Knowledge Base of Educational Leadership, Administration and Management: A Topographical Perspective. Compare, 51(1), 4–23. https://doi.org/10.1080/03057925.2019.1585757

Voelkel Jr, R. H. (2022). Causal Relationship Among Transformational Leadership, Professional Learning Communities, and Teacher Collective Efficacy. International Journal of Leadership in Education, 25(3), 345–366. https://doi.org/10.1080/13603124.2019.1690699

Young, H. R., Glerum, D. R., Joseph, D. L., & McCord, M. A. (2021). A Meta-Analysis of Transactional Leadership and Follower Performance: Double-Edged Effects of LMX and Empowerment. Journal of Management, 47(5), 1255–1280. https://doi.org/10.1177/0149206320908646

Zaini, A. W., & Fahmi, M. A. (2023). Improving Islamic Religious Education Teachers' Performance Through Effective School Leadership. AFKARINA: Jurnal Pendidikan Agama Islam, 8(1), 12–24. https://doi.org/10.33650/afkarina.v8i1.5331