KEPEMIMPINAN TRANSFORMATIF DALAM MEMBANGUN BUDAYA MUTU MELALUI PEMBERDAYAAN DAN PARTISIPASI WARGA SEKOLAH

Abstract

ABSTRACT School quality culture is shaped not only by the leadership of the principal but also by the ability of school community members to participate in implementing and improving educational programs. This study aims to examine the role of transformational leadership in fostering a quality culture through the empowerment and participation of school community members at SMP Negeri 1 Selong. The study employed a qualitative approach with a single-case study design. The informants comprised the principal, vice principal, teachers, and educational staff selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), observations, and documentation. Data analysis involved data organization, coding, categorization, presentation of findings, and conclusion drawing and verification. Data trustworthiness was established through source and method triangulation. The findings indicate that transformational leadership was demonstrated through role modeling, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individualized consideration. These practices were reflected in the delegation of responsibilities, involvement of school community members in decision-making, professional development, and the provision of opportunities for reflection and innovation. Empowerment and participation served as mechanisms connecting leadership practices with the collective implementation of a quality culture. Monitoring, evaluation, and follow-up activities supported continuous program improvement. This study concludes that a sustainable school quality culture requires consistent leadership, active participation, and shared responsibility among school community members. ABSTRAK Budaya mutu sekolah tidak hanya ditentukan oleh kepemimpinan kepala sekolah, tetapi juga oleh kemampuan warga sekolah untuk berpartisipasi dalam pelaksanaan dan perbaikan program pendidikan. Penelitian ini bertujuan mengkaji peran kepemimpinan transformatif dalam membangun budaya mutu melalui pemberdayaan dan partisipasi warga sekolah di SMP Negeri 1 Selong. Penelitian menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan desain studi kasus tunggal. Informan meliputi kepala sekolah, wakil kepala sekolah, guru, dan tenaga kependidikan yang dipilih secara purposive. Data dikumpulkan melalui wawancara semi-terstruktur, diskusi kelompok terarah (focus group discussion atau FGD), observasi, dan dokumentasi. Analisis dilakukan melalui pengorganisasian data, pengodean, kategorisasi, penyajian temuan, serta penarikan dan verifikasi kesimpulan. Keabsahan data diperiksa melalui triangulasi sumber dan teknik. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kepemimpinan transformatif diwujudkan melalui keteladanan, motivasi inspiratif, stimulasi intelektual, dan perhatian individual. Praktik tersebut terlihat dalam pendelegasian tanggung jawab, pelibatan warga sekolah dalam pengambilan keputusan, pengembangan kompetensi, serta pemberian ruang bagi refleksi dan inovasi. Pemberdayaan dan partisipasi menjadi mekanisme penghubung antara praktik kepemimpinan dan pelaksanaan budaya mutu secara kolektif. Monitoring, evaluasi, dan tindak lanjut mendukung upaya perbaikan program secara berkelanjutan. Penelitian ini menegaskan bahwa budaya mutu perlu dibangun melalui kepemimpinan yang konsisten, keterlibatan aktif, dan tanggung jawab bersama warga sekolah.