Strategic Management of Religious Culture for Student Character Development: A POAC-Based Case Study at MIS Nurul Iman Mendahara Ilir

Abstract

Religious culture programs in madrasahs are often implemented as routine activities, yet their sustainability and contribution to character-development efforts depend on how systematically they are managed. This study aims to analyze the strategic management of religious culture in supporting students' character development at MIS Nurul Iman Mendahara Ilir. A qualitative single-case study design was employed, involving six informants consisting of the principal, vice principal, teachers, and students selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through observation, semi-structured interviews, and document analysis, and analyzed using the interactive model of data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing and verification. Data credibility was strengthened through source triangulation, methodological triangulation, and member checking. The findings show that religious culture management is implemented through four interconnected management functions: planning, organizing, actuating, and controlling (POAC). Planning emphasizes program review and continuity; organizing involves role distribution and coordination based on existing responsibilities and competencies; actuating integrates religious values into daily school practices through habituation, student participation, and teacher modeling; while controlling involves supervision, evaluation, and follow-up for program improvement. These practices indicate that POAC functions as an operational framework within broader strategic management to support the continuity of religious culture and character-development efforts. The study concludes that systematic, collaborative, and continuous management is more important than the number of religious activities in sustaining religious culture within the madrasah.