Determining Graduate Quality through School Principals’ Transformational Leadership, Teachers’ Professional Competence, and Work Motivation: A Quantitative Study

Authors

  • Ana Supriati Universitas Persatuan Guru Republik Indonesia Semarang
  • Titik Haryati Universitas Persatuan Guru Republik Indonesia Semarang
  • Sumarno Sumarno Universitas Persatuan Guru Republik Indonesia Semarang

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17977/um005v9i22025p321-336

Keywords:

Transformational leadership, teachers’ professional competence, work motivation, graduate quality, Inclusion

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the influence of school principals’ transformational leadership, teachers’ professional competence, and work motivation on the quality of graduates in public junior high schools in Rembang Regency. A quantitative approach was employed using a survey method involving 289 teachers as respondents. The research instrument used a Likert-scale questionnaire tested for validity and reliability. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression techniques. The results revealed that both partially and simultaneously, the three independent variables had a positive and significant influence on the quality of graduates. Transformational leadership fosters a supportive school climate, professional competence enhances teaching effectiveness, and work motivation increases teachers’ dedication in the educational process. Simultaneously, these variables contribute 20.6% to the variance in graduate quality. The findings highlight the importance of synergy between principals and teachers in building a high-quality education system. This study offers practical implications for policymakers and school leaders to strengthen leadership dimensions, professional development, and work motivation in order to sustainably improve graduate outcomes.

References

Abdullah, R., & Munir, A. (2020). Hubungan motivasi kerja dan kinerja guru di sekolah menengah [The Relationship Between Work Motivation and Teacher Performance in Secondary Schools]. Jurnal Administrasi Pendidikan, 12(1), 55–63.

Adzkiya, A. (2021). Pengaruh gaya kepemimpinan transformasional kepala sekolah, iklim sekolah dan komitmen profesional guru terhadap kinerja guru (studi kasus di MTS ma’arif NU kabupaten Banyumas) [The Influence of Transformational Leadership Style, School Climate, and Teachers’ Professional Commitment on Teacher Performance (Case Study at MTS Ma’arif NU Banyumas Regency)]. Jurnal Ekonomi, Bisnis, Dan Akuntansi, 22(4), 492-500.

Amalia, R., & Wijayanti, S. (2024). Peran kelembagaan dalam pencapaian mutu lulusan [The Role of Institutions in Achieving Graduate Quality]. Jurnal Mutu Pendidikan Indonesia, 14(1), 29–40.

Anggraini, N., & Utama, I. G. B. R. (2024). Pengaruh penghargaan terhadap motivasi kerja guru [The Effect of Rewards on Teachers’ Work Motivation]. Jurnal Kependidikan dan Profesi Guru, 5(1), 33–42.

Arifin, Z., & Sulastri, D. (2021). Profesionalisme guru dalam meningkatkan kepercayaan diri siswa [Teacher Professionalism in Enhancing Student Self-Confidence]. Jurnal Pendidikan Karakter, 11(2), 18–27.

Arikunto, S. (2020). Prosedur penelitian suatu pendekatan praktik [Research Procedure: A Practical Approach]. Jakarta: Rineka Cipta.

Aryani, D. I., Pandanwangi, A., Ida, R. T. M., & Pattipawaej, O. C. (2021). Pelatihan pembuatan materi pembelajaran digital adaptif guna meningkatkan kompetensi guru pada masa pandemi [Training on the Development of Adaptive Digital Learning Materials to Improve Teacher Competence During the Pandemic]. Community Empowerment, 6(9), 1600-1608.

Astuti, R., & Suryani, T. (2023). Pengaruh kepemimpinan dan motivasi kerja terhadap mutu pendidikan [The Influence of Leadership and Work Motivation on Education Quality]. Jurnal Evaluasi Pendidikan, 15(1), 77–86.

Bass, B. M. (2015). Leadership and performance beyond expectations. New York: Free Press.

Damanik, R., & Suyatno. (2021). Lingkungan kelembagaan dan implikasinya terhadap mutu lulusan [Institutional Environment and Its Implications for Graduate Quality]. Jurnal Ilmu Pendidikan Indonesia, 13(1), 48–56.

Danuhari, N. (2022). Pengaruh Kepemimpinan Kepala Sekolah Dan Kompetensi Profesional Guru Terhadap Mutu Lulusan Sekolah Luar Biasa [The Influence of School Principals’ Leadership and Teachers’ Professional Competence on the Quality of Graduates in Special Schools]. Edum Journal, 5(2), 229-245. https://doi.org/10.31943/edumjournal.v5i2.124

Fairy, S. N. P. O., Yudana, M., & Divayana, D. G. H. (2019). Kontribusi Gaya Kepemimpinan Transformasional, Etos Kerja Guru, Kepuasan Kerja, dan Budaya Organisasi Sekolah Terhadap Kinerja Guru di SMPK 1 Harapan Denpasar [The Contribution of Transformational Leadership Style, Teachers’ Work Ethic, Job Satisfaction, and School Organizational Culture to Teacher Performance at SMPK 1 Harapan Denpasar]. Jurnal Administrasi Pendidikan Indonesia, 10(2), 125-131. https://doi.org/10.23887/japi.v10i2.2799

Fadli, M., & Zulaikha, D. (2023). Hubungan motivasi guru dan prestasi akademik siswa [The Relationship Between Teachers’ Motivation and Students’ Academic Achievement]. Jurnal Pendidikan dan Psikologi, 9(2), 14–26.

Fauzi, F. (2020). Peningkatan Profesionalisme Guru Melalui Supervisi Klinis [Improving Teacher Professionalism Through Clinical Supervision]. EDUSIANA Jurnal Manajemen Dan Pendidikan Islam, 7(2), 109-128. https://doi.org/10.47077/edusiana.v7i2.47

Fayza, T. S. N. (2024). Analisis Gaya Kepemimpinan Transformasional Kepala Sekolah Terhadap Semangat Kerja Guru di MI Darul Ulum Batang [Analysis of School Principals’ Transformational Leadership Style on Teacher Work Spirit at MI Darul Ulum Batang] (Doctoral dissertation, UIN KH Abdurrahman Wahid Pekalongan). http://etheses.uingusdur.ac.id/11633/

Fitria, L., & Lestari, M. (2020). Pengaruh apresiasi kerja terhadap semangat mengajar guru [The Influence of Work Appreciation on Teachers’ Teaching Enthusiasm]. Jurnal Psikologi Pendidikan, 7(1), 40–49.

Gaol, N. T. L., & Siburian, P. (2018). Peran kepala sekolah dalam meningkatkan kinerja guru [The Role of School Principals in Improving Teacher Performance]. Kelola: Jurnal Manajemen Pendidikan, 5(1), 66-73. https://doi.org/10.24246/j.jk.2018.v5.i1.p66-73

Handayani, T., & Wibowo, R. (2022). Kolaborasi dalam peningkatan mutu lulusan [Collaboration in Improving Graduate Quality]. Jurnal Kependidikan, 14(2), 55–66.

Hanif, M. (2023). Strategi membangun sinergi sekolah dengan masyarakat dalam pengimplementasian Kurikulum Merdeka Belajar dan mewujudkan sekolah penggerak [Strategies for Building School-Community Synergy in the Implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum and Realizing a Driving School]. Pendekar: Jurnal Pendidikan Berkarakter, 1(6), 305–320. https://doi.org/10.51903/pendekar.v1i6.529

Hartini, S., & Wahyuni, R. (2023). Iklim kerja dan motivasi guru terhadap mutu hasil belajar [Work Climate and Teachers’ Motivation on the Quality of Learning Outcomes]. Jurnal Pendidikan dan Evaluasi, 13(1), 61–70.

Hasibuan, D., & Rizki, N. (2023). Integrasi peran kepala sekolah dan guru dalam pencapaian mutu pendidikan [Integration of the Roles of School Principals and Teachers in Achieving Education Quality]. Jurnal Pendidikan Profesi Guru, 4(1), 70–79.

Hidayah, R., & Sari, L. (2020). Profesionalisme dan kepemimpinan dalam peningkatan hasil belajar siswa [Professionalism and Leadership in Improving Student Learning Outcomes]. Jurnal Pendidikan Nusantara, 8(1), 35–45.

Hilda, E. M. (2023). Membangun koneksi emosional: Pentingnya hubungan guru-murid dalam proses pembelajaran [Building Emotional Connections: The Importance of Teacher-Student Relationships in the Learning Process]. Jurnal Inovasi Pembelajaran di Sekolah, 4(2), 241–245. https://doi.org/10.51874/jips.v4i2.100

Ibrahim, A., & Mubarok, M. (2020). Peran kepala sekolah dalam mendorong guru berdedikasi [The Role of School Principals in Encouraging Dedicated Teachers]. Jurnal Manajemen Sekolah Dasar, 5(2), 49–57.

Indana, N. (2018). Penerapan kurikulum terintegrasi dalam mengembangkan mutu belajar siswa (Studi Kasus di SMA Darul ‘Ulum 1 Unggulan Bppt Jombang) [Implementation of an Integrated Curriculum to Improve Student Learning Quality (Case Study at SMA Darul ‘Ulum 1 Unggulan Bppt Jombang)]. Nidhomul Haq: Jurnal Manajemen Pendidikan Islam, 3(2), 121–147. https://doi.org/10.31538/ndh.v3i2.80

Jumali, J., Yuliejantiningsih, Y., & Haryati, T. (2023). Pengaruh supervisi akademik kepala sekolah motivasi kerja dan disiplin kerja terhadap mutu sekolah dasar [The Influence of Principal’s Academic Supervision, Work Motivation, and Work Discipline on Primary School Quality]. Jurnal Inovasi Pembelajaran di Sekolah, 4(2), 315–325. https://doi.org/10.51874/jips.v4i2.118

Lestari, D. I., & Kurnia, H. (2023). Implementasi model pembelajaran inovatif untuk meningkatkan kompetensi profesional guru di era digital [Implementation of Innovative Learning Models to Improve Teachers’ Professional Competence in the Digital Era]. JPG: Jurnal Pendidikan Guru, 4(3), 205–222. https://doi.org/10.32832/jpg.v4i3.14252

Lubis, F., & Wulandari, R. (2024). Kompetensi guru dan peningkatan literasi siswa [Teacher Competence and the Improvement of Student Literacy]. Jurnal Ilmu Pendidikan dan Pengajaran, 16(1), 44–53.

Ma'ruf, M. W., & Syaifin, R. A. (2021). Strategi pengembangan profesi guru dalam mewujudkan suasana pembelajaran yang efektif [Teacher Professional Development Strategies in Creating an Effective Learning Atmosphere]. Al-Musannif, 3(1), 27–44. http://jurnal.mtsddicilellang.sch.id/index.php/al-musannif/article/view/54

Maris, I. S., Komariah, A., & Bakar, A. (2016). Kepemimpinan transformasional kepala sekolah, kinerja guru dan mutu sekolah [School Principal Transformational Leadership, Teacher Performance, and School Quality]. Jurnal Administrasi Pendidikan, 13(2). https://doi.org/10.17509/jap.v23i2.5645

Marlina, D., & Bahar, M. (2020). Peran guru dalam menciptakan pembelajaran partisipatif [The Role of Teachers in Creating Participatory Learning]. Jurnal Pendidikan dan Kebudayaan, 6(3), 65–74.

Mukaddamah, I. (2024). Peran kepemimpinan transformasional kepala sekolah dalam meningkatkan kinerja guru: Studi kasus di sekolah dasar [The Role of School Principal Transformational Leadership in Improving Teacher Performance: A Case Study in Elementary School]. Al-Mikraj Jurnal Studi Islam Dan Humaniora, 5(01), 438–448. https://doi.org/10.37680/almikraj.v5i01.5834

Mukhtar, A., & Luqman, M. D. (2020). Pengaruh kompetensi guru terhadap kinerja guru dan prestasi belajar siswa di Kota Makassar [The Influence of Teacher Competence on Teacher Performance and Student Achievement in Makassar City]. Idaarah, 4(1), 1–15.

Mulyono, H. (2022). Kepemimpinan kepala sekolah di era transformasi pendidikan [School Principal Leadership in the Era of Educational Transformation]. Yogyakarta: Araska.

Munawaroh, S., & Rifa’i, R. (2022). Integrasi motivasi dan keterampilan pedagogik dalam peningkatan mutu siswa [Integration of Motivation and Pedagogical Skills in Improving Student Quality]. Jurnal Pendidikan Integratif, 7(1), 21–30.

Notoatmodjo, S. (2021). Metodologi penelitian kesehatan [Health Research Methodology]. Jakarta: Rineka Cipta.

Nursyam, A., & Setiawan, M. (2021). Pengaruh kompetensi guru terhadap numerasi siswa [The Influence of Teacher Competence on Student Numeracy]. Jurnal Pendidikan Dasar Nusantara, 9(2), 31–41.

Priyatno, D. (2021). Panduan lengkap analisis statistik dengan SPSS [Complete Guide to Statistical Analysis with SPSS]. Yogyakarta: Mediatera.

Rahmawati, D., Nugroho, S., & Lestari, Y. (2024). Pengaruh tidak langsung kepemimpinan transformasional melalui iklim sekolah dan kinerja guru [The Indirect Influence of Transformational Leadership Through School Climate and Teacher Performance]. Jurnal Pendidikan dan Inovasi, 13(1), 55–66.

Rakim, R., Liud, Y. H., Nendissa, J. E., Langi, E. A., & Tonapa, D. (2025). Kompetensi dan strategi pembelajaran kontekstual bagi guru pendidikan agama Kristen dalam meningkatkan prestasi belajar siswa [Competence and Contextual Learning Strategies for Christian Religious Education Teachers in Improving Student Achievement]. Jurnal Gamaliel: Teologi Praktika, 7(1), 33–50. https://doi.org/10.38052/gamaliel.v7i1.286

Rahayu, R., & Iskandar, S. (2023). Kepemimpinan transformasional kepala sekolah dalam pembelajaran abad 21 di sekolah dasar [Transformational Leadership of School Principals in 21st-Century Learning at Primary Schools]. Jurnal Elementaria Edukasia, 6(2), 287–297. https://doi.org/10.31949/jee.v6i2.5484

Ramadhan, R. (2023). Kombinasi kepemimpinan dan budaya sekolah dalam membentuk mutu pendidikan [The Combination of Leadership and School Culture in Shaping Educational Quality]. Jurnal Ilmu Pendidikan Indonesia, 15(2), 99–108.

Ramdhan, H., & Nuraini, T. (2022). Kompetensi guru dan praktik asesmen formatif [Teacher Competence and Formative Assessment Practices]. Jurnal Pendidikan Profesi Guru, 3(2), 66–74.

Raman, A., Cheah, H. M., Don, Y., Daud, Y., & Khalid, R. (2015). Relationship between principals’ transformational leadership style and secondary school teachers’ commitment. Asian Social Science, 11(15), 221–228. https://repo.uum.edu.my/id/eprint/15179/

Ratmini, N. A., Natajaya, I. N., & Sunu, I. G. K. A. (2019). Kontribusi gaya kepemimpinan kepala sekolah, komitmen organisasi, iklim kerja dan motivasi kerja terhadap kinerja guru SMP Negeri 2 Singaraja [Contribution of Principal's Leadership Style, Organizational Commitment, Work Climate, and Work Motivation to Teacher Performance at SMP Negeri 2 Singaraja]. Jurnal Administrasi Pendidikan Indonesia, 10(2), 91–100. https://doi.org/10.23887/japi.v10i2.2795

Riduansyah, A., & Cinantya, C. (2025). Peran pemberdayaan guru dan kepemimpinan transformasional dalam meningkatkan mutu sekolah di Indonesia [The Role of Teacher Empowerment and Transformational Leadership in Improving School Quality in Indonesia]. Jurnal Keilmuan dan Keislaman, 256–268. https://doi.org/10.23917/jkk.v4i2.455

Rifa’i, A. A. (2020). Pengaruh kepemimpinan transformasional kepala sekolah dan budaya kerja terhadap peningkatan kinerja guru [The Influence of School Principal's Transformational Leadership and Work Culture on Improving Teacher Performance]. Indonesian Journal of Education Management & Administration Review, 4(1), 159–166. http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:4321ijemar.v4i1.43796

Rohman, A., & Sari, R. (2023). Beban kerja, peran, dan motivasi guru di sekolah dasar [Teachers’ Workload, Roles, and Motivation in Elementary Schools]. Jurnal Pendidikan dan Psikologi Islam, 8(1), 40–50.

Rukmana, S., Wiguna, S., & Muchtar, M. (2022). Pengaruh model kepemimpinan transformasional kepala madrasah terhadap peningkatan mutu pendidikan di MTs IKABA Desa Paluh Manis Kecamatan Gebang [The Influence of Madrasah Principals’ Transformational Leadership Model on Improving Education Quality at MTs IKABA Paluh Manis]. Journal Idarah At-Ta’lim, 1(1), 33–41. https://jurnal.perima.or.id/index.php/JIA/article/view/37

Sari, F., & Herlina, D. (2021). Gaya kepemimpinan transformasional dan kontribusinya terhadap mutu pendidikan [Transformational Leadership Style and Its Contribution to Education Quality]. Jurnal Kepemimpinan dan Inovasi Pendidikan, 9(2), 40–50.

Sanjaya, W. (2022). Metodologi penelitian pendidikan [Educational Research Methodology]. Jakarta: Kencana.

Soetopo, H. (2020). Manajemen pendidikan: Teori dan praktik [Educational Management: Theory and Practice]. Yogyakarta: Graha Ilmu.

Sudibjo, N., & Ananta, A. S. (2021). Peran kepuasan kerja sebagai mediator keadilan organisasi dan motivasi kerja terhadap kinerja guru [The Role of Job Satisfaction as a Mediator Between Organizational Justice and Work Motivation on Teacher Performance]. Manajemen Pendidikan, 16(2), 113–127. https://doi.org/10.23917/jmp.v16i2.13818

Sugiyono. (2021). Metode penelitian kuantitatif, kualitatif, dan R&D [Quantitative, Qualitative, and R&D Research Methods]. Bandung: Alfabeta.

Sulaiman, A., & Prasetyo, R. (2022). Kepemimpinan transformasional kepala sekolah dalam meningkatkan semangat kerja guru [School Principals’ Transformational Leadership in Enhancing Teachers’ Work Spirit]. Jurnal Administrasi dan Kepemimpinan Pendidikan, 10(2), 123–134.

Suryanto, A., Hendrowati, T. Y., & Badrun, M. (2025). Peran kepemimpinan kepala sekolah dalam meningkatkan mutu lulusan [The Role of School Leadership in Improving Graduate Quality]. Manajemen Pendidikan.

Susilowati, D., & Zakaria, A. (2021). Hubungan antara pedagogi dan motivasi guru terhadap hasil belajar [The Relationship Between Pedagogy and Teacher Motivation on Learning Outcomes]. Jurnal Ilmu Pendidikan Modern, 4(1), 41–50.

Taufiq, M., & Darmawan, A. (2020). Hubungan kepemimpinan transformasional dengan prestasi akademik siswa [The Relationship Between Transformational Leadership and Students’ Academic Achievement]. Jurnal Evaluasi Pendidikan, 8(1), 71–80.

Uno, H. B. (2023). Teori motivasi dan pengukurannya: Analisis di bidang pendidikan [Motivation Theory and Its Measurement: An Analysis in the Field of Education]. Jakarta: Bumi Aksara.

Widyastuti, N. (2020). Profesionalisme guru dalam pembelajaran abad 21 [Teacher Professionalism in 21st Century Learning]. Jurnal Pendidikan dan Profesi, 6(1), 21–30.

Wijayanti, F., & Kurniawan, T. (2022). Dampak kompetensi profesional guru terhadap kepercayaan diri siswa [The Impact of Teachers’ Professional Competence on Students’ Self-Confidence]. Jurnal Pendidikan Karakter, 12(1), 33–44.

Wulandari, H., & Nisrina, D. A. Z. (2023). Hubungan kreativitas dan inovatif guru dalam mengajar di kelas terhadap peningkatan motivasi dan minat belajar peserta didik [The Relationship Between Teachers’ Creativity and Innovation in Classroom Teaching and Students’ Motivation and Interest in Learning]. Jurnal Ilmiah Wahana Pendidikan, 9(16), 345–354. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8242365

Wulandari, N., & Maulida, H. (2021). Keseimbangan peran kerja dan motivasi guru [Work Role Balance and Teacher Motivation]. Jurnal Pendidikan dan Pemberdayaan, 8(2), 25–37.

Yulianto, S., & Rachmawati, D. (2023). Kepala sekolah sebagai fasilitator penguatan mutu [The School Principal as a Facilitator for Quality Improvement]. Jurnal Pendidikan Dasar dan Kepemimpinan, 6(2), 18–30.

Zulaikha, D., & Fadli, M. (2023). Hubungan motivasi guru dan prestasi akademik siswa [The Relationship Between Teacher Motivation and Students’ Academic Achievement]. Jurnal Pendidikan dan Psikologi, 9(2), 14–26.

Downloads

Published

2025-07-31

Issue

Section

Articles