Being a Mother at School: An Interpretive Phenomenological Study of the Maternal Leadership of the Female Principal of MTs Hudaatul Umam

Firda Fahriana Fadillah; Johar Permana; Asep Suryana

doi:10.63922/ijevss.v5i03.5790

Firda Fahriana Fadillah Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia
Johar Permana Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia
Asep Suryana Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.63922/ijevss.v5i03.5790

Keywords: Collaborative Leadership, Female Leadership, Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, Maternal Leadership, School Leadership

Abstract

This research is motivated by the limited understanding of how female madrasah principals interpret maternal leadership as a leadership identity, not merely managerial effectiveness or gender representation. This study aims to interpret the lived experiences of female madrasah principals in implementing maternal leadership in the madrasah environment. The study used a qualitative approach with the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) method. The study population was female madrasah principals, while the sample consisted of one purposively selected principal of MTs Hudaatul Umam. Data were collected through two in-depth semi-structured interviews supported by reflective notes and member checking. Data analysis was conducted through repeated readings, initial noting, theme development, and the arrangement of superordinate themes according to IPA procedures. The results identified five main themes: building legitimacy as a female leader, defining oneself as a second mother at school, implementing collaborative leadership based on caring, balancing compassion with assertiveness, and building leadership based on life experiences. This study concludes that maternal leadership is a leadership identity that continues to develop through life experiences, nurturing values, and the socio-religious context of the madrasah, not simply a leadership style.

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