ETOS KEPALA MADRASAH MADRASAH IBTIDIYAH BABUL HIKMAH KALIANDA KECAMATAN KALIANDA KABUPATEN LAMPUNG SELATAN

Abstract

The work ethos of a madrasah principal plays a central role in shaping an excellent educational organizational culture. This study aims to explore and describe the work ethos of the principal of Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Babul Hikmah Kalianda in exercising leadership and its impact on institutional progress. The background of this research is the need to understand value-based and ethical leadership characteristics that can foster a conducive learning environment. A descriptive qualitative method was used through in-depth interviews, observations, and documentation to capture the leadership dynamics in the school. The findings reveal that the principal possesses a high work ethos, reflected in a strong commitment to duties, sincerity in leadership, moral exemplarity, and innovation in madrasah management. Religious values serve as the primary foundation for policy-making and social interactions within the school. The principal successfully fosters harmonious relationships with educators, students, and the local community. The principal’s ethos significantly affects the improvement of education quality at Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Babul Hikmah, both in academic and non-academic areas. Teachers’ performance improves, parental involvement becomes more active, and students’ learning enthusiasm grows positively. Furthermore, the principal acts as a change agent focused on character- and spirituality-based educational management reform. Therefore, this study concludes that the success of a madrasah is greatly influenced by the principal's ethos rooted in integrity, responsibility, and service values. Ongoing training and development for principals are essential to sustain and enhance a professional work ethos within the Islamic education context.