KEPEMIMPINAN KEPALA MADRASAH DALAM MENINGKATKAN CITRA MADRASAH

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the leadership styles of madrasah principals, strategies for strengthening institutional image, and their impact on public perceptions. Madrasah leadership plays a crucial role in shaping institutional direction, work culture, and the quality of Islamic education. This study employs a descriptive qualitative approach through a literature review, with data collected from document analysis and relevant national and international scholarly articles. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis and empirical synthesis. The findings indicate that madrasah principals apply transformational, transactional, democratic–participatory, and religious–spiritual leadership styles in an integrative manner, contributing to increased teacher motivation, student achievement, instructional innovation, and a value-based collaborative work culture. Effective leadership strengthens the institutional image of madrasahs and enhances public trust. Future research is recommended to examine madrasah leadership through empirical field-based approaches to enrich contextual and practical insights.