Constructing Transformational Leadership Character among Student Administrators in Islamic Boarding School Management: A Case Study of Pesantren Mansyaul Ulum

Abstrak

This study examines the construction of leadership character among student administrators within the management system of Pondok Pesantren Mansyaul Ulum, Ganjaran, Gondanglegi, Malang. Employing a qualitative approach with a constructive study design, the research explores the formation of leadership character among student administrators through the theoretical framework of Transformational Leadership proposed by James MacGregor Burns (1978), integrated with Qur’anic values such as amanah (trustworthiness), khidmah (service), and barokah (blessing). Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and document analysis, and subsequently analyzed using thematic analysis techniques. The findings reveal that student administrators practice transformational leadership through four core dimensions idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individualized consideration harmonized with Qur’anic values. This integration has a positive impact on managerial efficiency, student participation, and the institutional sustainability of the pesantren. The study fills a gap in the literature concerning the leadership of student administrators at Pondok Pesantren Mansyaul Ulum and recommends strengthening leadership training programs to optimize their role as agents of change within the pesantren’s management system