Teachers' Perceptions and the Implementation of Servant Leadership by School Principals to Enhance Teacher Performance: A Qualitative Study in Indonesian Public Senior High Schools

Abstract

Servant leadership plays a crucial role in education, particularly in schools, as it fosters a positive, collaborative, and supportive environment that enhances teachers' motivation and commitment, improves the quality of teaching and learning, and ultimately contributes to better student learning outcomes. This study aims to examine two main aspects: (1) teachers' perceptions of servant leadership practices and (2) the implementation of the servant leadership model by school principals to improve teacher performance in public senior high schools in South Lampung Regency, Indonesia. This study employed a qualitative research approach. The research was conducted in public senior high schools in South Lampung Regency, and data were collected through interviews and classroom observations. The findings reveal that teachers hold positive perceptions of the servant leadership model. They perceive school principals who demonstrate servant leadership as possessing strong listening skills, empathy, openness, and the ability to foster a sense of community within the school. Furthermore, the implementation of servant leadership in public senior high schools in South Lampung Regency is reflected in the creation of a supportive and motivating learning environment, the empowerment of teachers' professional potential, and the principals' commitment to understanding and responding to teachers' aspirations. Servant leadership has gained increasing recognition in the field of education due to its emphasis on serving others, personal growth, and the professional development of educators. Furthermore, the principles of servant leadership are consistent with Islamic teachings, as reflected in the Holy Qur'an, including Surah Ash-Shu'ara (26:215) and Surah Ali 'Imran (3:159), and exemplified through the leadership of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).