The Strategic Role of Leadership in Realizing Value-Based Digital Transformation at Islamic Boarding Schools
Keywords:
Strategic leadership, Digital transformation, Islamic boarding school, Value-based leadershipAbstract
Leadership plays a pivotal role in driving institutional transformation, particularly within Islamic educational institutions, navigating the complexities of globalization. This study investigates the strategic dimensions of leadership in facilitating value-based digital transformation at Pondok Pesantren Ash-Shiddiiqi, Batang Hari Regency, Jambi Province, Indonesia. Grounded in an interpretive-phenomenological paradigm and employing qualitative case study methodology, data were obtained through in-depth semi-structured interviews, participatory observation, and systematic document analysis. The findings reveal four interrelated leadership dimensions that collectively underpin a sustainable transformation process: (1) value-based leadership that anchors institutional decision-making within an Islamic ethical framework; (2) adaptive and exemplary leadership that promotes collective digital capacity-building through participatory learning; (3) human resource development and external networking through structured collaboration with alumni, governmental agencies, and relevant stakeholders; and (4) strategic communication grounded in Qur’anic communicative ethics that effectively mitigates resistance to organizational change. The study contributes a contextual theoretical model of transformational leadership applicable to Islamic educational institutions pursuing digitalization without compromising their spiritual identity. Practically, this research proposes a replicable framework integrating value-oriented leadership, participatory human resource development, phased digital transformation strategies, and Qur’anic-principled communication. The findings suggest that harmonizing technological innovation with enduring Islamic values is not only feasible but also constitutes a prerequisite for the long-term relevance and sustainability of pesantren in the digital era.
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