DEVELOPING TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL UPT: STRATEGIES AND CHALLENGES
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.23887/jurnal_ap.v16i1.5655Keywords:
Transformational Leadership, School Principal, Strategy, ChallengeAbstract
The implementation of transformational leadership in elementary schools continues to face various challenges. This study aims to analyse the strategies and challenges of transformational leadership in elementary school UPTDs through a qualitative case study approach. The research subjects were purposively selected principals and teachers, and data were collected through semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and document analysis. The analysis used thematic analysis by Broun & Clarke, with data reduction, thematic categorisation, and triangulation to enhance the validity of the findings. The results indicate that the main strategies implemented are teacher empowerment, developing a collaborative culture, and improving the quality of learning. Challenges faced include resistance to change, limited resources, and a lack of policy support. Schools with principals who implement this leadership model have a more harmonious work environment, increased teacher motivation, and better student learning outcomes. This study makes an important contribution to enriching the contextual understanding of transformational leadership practices in elementary schools and supporting the development of more relevant and sustainable policies and principal training.
References
Aditya, R. (2025). Implementasi Gaya Kepemimpinan Demokratis Kepala Sekolah dalam Meningkatkan Kinerja Guru di MTsN 2 Pangandaran. J-STAF: Siddiq, Tabligh, Amanah, Fathonah, 4(1), 59–67. https://doi.org/10.62515/staf.v4i1.631.
Agustian, E., Hidayati, D., & Widodo, W. (2024). Kepemimpinan Transformasional Kepala Sekolah dalam Penerapan Kurikulum Merdeka. Journal of Education and Teaching (JET), 5(3), 323–335. https://doi.org/10.51454/jet.v5i3.444.
Almager, I. L., Cumby, S., & Almekdash, M. H. (2021). Developing Human Capital through Instructional Leadership: Learning to Coach during Principal Preparation. Open Journal of Leadership, 10(02), 169–192. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojl.2021.102012.
Ambawani, C. S. L., Saputra, I., Kusuma, T. M. M., Sumardjoko, B., & Fathoni, A. (2024). Implementasi Kepemimpinan Transformasional Kepala Sekolah Penggerak di TK. Journal of Education Research, 5(4), 4810–4823. https://doi.org/10.37985/jer.v5i4.1578.
Andhika, B. B., Suwandi, J. C., & Catharina, A. H. (2023). Pengaruh Kepemimpinan Transformasional Terhadap Work Engagement Pada Organisasi Perusahaan. MUQADDIMAH: Jurnal Ekonomi, Manajemen, Akuntansi Dan Bisnis, 1(3), 191–205. https://doi.org/10.59246/muqaddimah.v1i3.374.
Andriadi, D., & Sulistiyo, U. (2024). The Influence of Transformational and Instructional Leadership Styles of School’s Principals on Teacher’s Performance, Motivation, Job Satisfaction and Student Achievement in Primary and Secondary Schools. PPSDP International Journal of Education, 3(2), 536–548. https://doi.org/10.59175/pijed.v3i2.335.
Bao, Y. (2024). The effect of principal transformational leadership on teacher innovative behavior: the moderator role of uncertainty avoidance and the mediated role of the sense of meaning at work. Frontiers in Education, 9(June), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2024.1378615.
Bass, B. M., & Riggio, R. E. (2021). Transformasional Leadership. London : Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc., 282.
Blase, J., & Blase, J. (2000). Effective instructional leadership: Teachers’ perspectives on how principals promote teaching and learning in schools. Journal of Educational Administration, 38(2), 130–141. https://doi.org/10.1108/09578230010320082.
Cahyono, Y., Novitasari, D., Sihotang, M., Aman, M., Fahlevi, M., Nadeak, M., Siahaan, M., Asbari, M., & Purwanto, A. (2020). The Effect of Transformational Leadership Dimensions on Job Satisfaction and Organizational Commitment: Case Studies in Private University Lecturers. Solid State Technology, 63(1s), 158–184.
Firmansyah, F., Prasojo, L. D., Jaedun, A., & Retnawati, H. (2022). Transformational leadership effect on teacher performance in Asia: A meta-analysis. Cypriot Journal of Educational Sciences, 17(6), 2127–2146. https://doi.org/10.18844/cjes.v17i6.7552.
Freddie, L. (2025). Transformation Leadership ’ S Positive Impact On School Culture. 111–120.
Gaspersz, E. J. (2024). Influence of Transformational Leadership and Teacher Collaboration on Teachers’ Ability in Implementing Interdisciplinary Learning. Academy of Education Journal, 15(1), 718–733. https://doi.org/10.47200/aoej.v15i1.2299.
Heriyanto, H. (2018). Thematic Analysis sebagai Metode Menganalisa Data untuk Penelitian Kualitatif. Anuva, 2(3), 317. https://doi.org/10.14710/anuva.2.3.317-324.
Idialita, Yusrizal, & Marwan. (2024). Pengaruh Gaya Kepemimpinan Transformasional Kepala Sekolah, Budaya Sekolah, Dan Motivasi Kerja Terhadap Komitmen Guru Dalam Implementasi Kurikulum Merdeka di SMA Kota Juang, Kabupaten Bireuen. Jurnal Review Pendidikan Dan Pengajaran, 7(4), 19027–19037.
Kaiman, K., Arafat, Y., & Mulyadi, M. (2020). Pengaruh Kepemimpinan Kepala Sekolah dan Pengawasan Pengawas Sekolah terhadap Kinerja Guru. Journal of Education Research, 1(3), 283–289. https://doi.org/10.37985/jer.v1i3.33.
Kasmiatun, K., Metalin, A., & Muhimmah, H. A. (2025). The Role of Transformational Leadership in Improving Teacher Performance in the Implementation of Character-Based Learning in Elementary Schools: Systematic Literature Review. Journal of the American Institute, 2(6), 768–772. https://doi.org/10.71364/cwda2205.
Leithwood, K., & Jantzi, D. (2000). The effects of transformational leadership on organizational conditions and student engagement with school. Journal of Educational Administration, 38(2), 112–129. https://doi.org/10.1108/09578230010320064.
Leithwood, K., & Sun, J. (2012). The Nature and Effects of Transformational School Leadership: A Meta-Analytic Review of Unpublished Research. Educational Administration Quarterly - EDUC ADMIN QUART, 48, 387–423. https://doi.org/10.1177/0013161X11436268.
Lomba-Portela, L., Domínguez-Lloria, S., & Pino-Juste, M. R. (2022). Resistances to Educational Change: Teachers’ Perceptions. Education Sciences, 12(5), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci12050359.
Mailizar, Setyaningsih, S., & Taufik. (2024). Teacher Improvement Through Transformational Leadership Strengthening, Organizational Culture, Empowerment, And Pedagogical Competence. SUJANA: Journal of Education and Learning Review, 3(1), 20–34.
Nadur, E. S. (2017). Implementasi Kepemimpinan Transformasional Kepala Sekolah Dalam Membentuk Budaya Sekolah Pada Konteks Pendidikan Di Indonesia. Jurnal Penelitian, 21(1), 48–61. https://e-journal.usd.ac.id/index.php/JP/article/view/885.
Pan, H. L. W., & Chen, W. Y. (2021). How principal leadership facilitates teacher learning through teacher leadership: Determining the critical path. Educational Management Administration & Leadership, 49(3), 454–470. https://doi.org/10.1177/1741143220913553.
Sari, N. L. A. N. I., Muspawi, M., & Pratama, L. (2025). Transformational Leadership of School Principals in the Implementation of the Independent Curriculum. Thawalib: Jurnal Kependidikan Islam, 6(1), 85–98. https://doi.org/10.54150/thawalib.v6i1.585.
Sasmiaji, V., Sukirman, S., & Suyatno, S. (2025). Transformational Leadership in Overcoming Teacher Burnout. Eduvest - Journal of Universal Studies, 5(3), 3202–3210. https://doi.org/10.59188/eduvest.v5i3.51018.
Sentana, I. K. J., & Wiyasa, I. K. N. (2021). Kontribusi Gaya Kepemimpinan Situasional Kepala Sekolah dan Resiliensi Diri Guru Terhadap Kinerja Guru. MIMBAR PGSD Undiksha, 9(1), 104–115. https://doi.org/10.23887/jjpgsd.v9i1.32082.
Setiyadi, B., & Rosalina, V. (2021). Kepemimpinan Kepala Sekolah dalam Meningkatkan Kinerja Guru. Edunesia : Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan, 2(1), 75–84. https://doi.org/10.51276/edu.v2i1.81.
Slahanti, M., & Setyowati, A. (2022). Kepemimpinan Transformasional Dalam Budaya Organisasi. Jurnal Manajemen Dayasaing, 23(2), 108–119. https://doi.org/10.23917/dayasaing.v23i2.16119.
Surya, M. P. (2024). The Strategy of the School Principal in the Sekolah Penggerak Program at High Schools in Indragiri Hilir Regency. Internasional Journal of Educational Technology Research (IJETR), 2(4), 662–675.
Tiftazani, S., Trihantoyo, S., Roesminingsih, E., & Khamidi, A. (2025). Kepemimpinan Transformasional Kepala Sekolah Dalam Membangun Budaya Organisasi Pendidikan. Jurnal Administrasi Pendidikan Islam, 07(01), 1. https://doi.org/10.15642/japi.2025.7.1.1-15.
Wasminto, B., Kusumaningsih, W., & Violinda, Q. (2025). Pengaruh Kepemimpinan Transformasional Kepala Sekolah dan Budaya Kerja Terhadap Motivasi Kerja Guru di SMP Negeri Sub Rayon 11 Kota Semarang. Jurnal Manajemen Pendidikan Dan Ilmu Sosial, 6(3), 2309–2321. https://doi.org/10.38035/jmpis.v6i3.4679.
Wijayanti, A., & Tirtoni, F. (2023). Analisis Faktor Kendala dan Hambatan Guru SD Dalam Implementasi Kebijakan Kurikulum Merdeka Belajar. Jurnal Educatio, 10(1), 304–311.
Wilson Heenan, I., De Paor, D., Lafferty, N., & Mannix McNamara, P. (2023). The Impact of Transformational School Leadership on School Staff and School Culture in Primary Schools—A Systematic Review of International Literature. Societies, 13(6). https://doi.org/10.3390/soc13060133.
Wu, H., & Shen, J. (2022). The association between principal leadership and student achievement: A multivariate meta-meta-analysis. Educational Research Review, 35, 100423. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2021.100423.
Zulkarnaen, Z., Supriyati, Y., & Sudiarditha, I. K. R. (2020). Pengaruh budaya sekolah, gaya kepemimpinan transformasional, dan motivasi kerja terhadap kinerja guru SMK. Jurnal Akuntabilitas Manajemen Pendidikan, 8(2), 175–185. https://doi.org/10.21831/jamp.v8i2.33867.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Besse Herlina, Muhammad Arafah, Rohanah, Andi Irmawanti, Masauleng, Rahmawati, Nisba Pawe
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
