An Integrative Principal Leadership Model: Strengthening Work Ethic, Organizational Commitment, and School Performance in Small-Scale Primary Schools

Authors

  • Maria Friska Nainggolan Universitas Sari Mutiara Indonesia image/svg+xml
  • Jheni Yusuf Saragih
  • Mei Lyna Girsang
  • Anita Yus
  • Yusnadi Yusnadi

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24114/jt.v15i3.74545

Keywords:

Principal Leadership, Work Ethic, Organizational Commitment, School Performance

Abstract

School effectiveness in primary education is strongly influenced by principal leadership, particularly in schools with relatively small organizational structures where interpersonal interactions and leadership influence are more direct and intensive. However, previous studies have predominantly focused on examining statistical relationships among leadership variables, while limited attention has been given to understanding how leadership practices are integrated to strengthen organizational effectiveness in small-scale primary schools. This study aimed to analyze principal leadership strategies in strengthening teachers’ work ethic, organizational commitment, and school performance at the primary education level. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed involving one principal and twenty-one teachers at SD Amal Luhur Medan Helvetia. Data were collected through interviews, observations, and documentation and analyzed using data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings revealed four interconnected leadership dimensions, namely disciplinary leadership, participatory leadership, relational leadership, and performance-oriented leadership, which collectively contributed to strengthening teachers’ professionalism, organizational commitment, and school effectiveness. The study proposes an integrative principal leadership model that may serve as a practical and conceptual framework for enhancing organizational effectiveness in small-scale primary schools.

Author Biographies

  • Maria Friska Nainggolan, Universitas Sari Mutiara Indonesia

    Saya adalah dosen di Universitas Sari Mutiara Indonesia dengan homebase di Pendidikan Guru Sekolah Dasar.

  • Jheni Yusuf Saragih

    Dosen pada Program Studi Pendidikan Guru Sekolah Dasar

  • Mei Lyna Girsang

    Dosen pada Program Studi Pendidikan Guru Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini

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Published

2026-08-28

How to Cite

Nainggolan, M. F., Saragih, J. Y., Girsang, M. L., Yus, A., & Yusnadi, Y. (2026). An Integrative Principal Leadership Model: Strengthening Work Ethic, Organizational Commitment, and School Performance in Small-Scale Primary Schools. Jurnal Tematik, 15(3), 181-189. https://doi.org/10.24114/jt.v15i3.74545