An Analysis Of The Principal’s Leadership Style In A High-Performing Muhammadiyah School

Abstract

Principal leadership is a strategic factor in achieving school quality and excellence, particularly in Muhammadiyah excellent schools, which are required to adapt to the rapid development of education, technology, and organizational dynamics. This study aims to analyze the leadership styles of principals in Muhammadiyah excellent schools and examine their contribution to school excellence. The study employed a mixed-methods approach using a sequential explanatory design that integrated quantitative and qualitative analyses. The participants consisted of six principals and sixty teachers from Muhammadiyah excellent schools in East Java, selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through questionnaires, observations, in-depth interviews, and document analysis. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and linear regression, while qualitative data were analyzed using the interactive model developed by Miles and Huberman.

The findings indicate that transformational leadership (M = 4.77; SD = 0.32) and visionary leadership (M = 4.75; SD = 0.28) were the most dominant leadership styles demonstrated by school principals. These leadership styles were reflected in the principals' ability to inspire teachers, foster an innovative school culture, and guide school development through a clear long-term vision. Meanwhile, transactional leadership (M = 4.50; SD = 0.39) and participative/democratic leadership (M = 4.48; SD = 0.41) contributed to strengthening organizational discipline, accountability, collaboration, and teacher participation. The findings further reveal that the integration of these four leadership styles positively contributes to improving teacher performance, work motivation, an innovative school culture, and the overall excellence of Muhammadiyah schools. This study concludes that effective principal leadership, particularly transformational and visionary leadership integrated with Islamic and Muhammadiyah values, is a key factor in enhancing educational quality, institutional competitiveness, and the sustainable development of Muhammadiyah excellent schools in the digital and disruptive era.