GAYA KEPEMIMPINAN DEMOKRATIS KEPALA SEKOLAH PEREMPUAN DI SMP NEGERI 4 TANJUNGPINANG

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Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan penerapan gaya kepemimpinan demokratis kepala sekolah perempuan di SMP Negeri 4 Tanjungpinang serta mengidentifikasi faktor-faktor yang memengaruhi keberhasilannya. Latar belakang penelitian ini berangkat dari pandangan masyarakat yang masih meragukan kapasitas perempuan dalam memimpin, meskipun berbagai penelitian menyatakan bahwa perempuan memiliki karakter kepemimpinan yang komunikatif, kolaboratif, dan cenderung persuasif. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif dengan pendekatan deskriptif, di mana data dikumpulkan melalui observasi, wawancara, dan dokumentasi terhadap kepala sekolah, guru, staf, dan siswa. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kepala sekolah perempuan menerapkan gaya kepemimpinan demokratis secara konsisten melalui musyawarah dalam pengambilan keputusan, keterbukaan terhadap kritik dan saran, penghargaan terhadap pendapat bawahan, serta penguatan kerja sama tim. Penerapan gaya kepemimpinan tersebut memberikan dampak positif, seperti meningkatnya motivasi kerja guru, meningkatnya prestasi sekolah, serta bertambahnya kepercayaan masyarakat. Selain itu, faktor pendukung keberhasilan kepemimpinan demokratis antara lain adalah komunikasi terbuka, budaya musyawarah, dukungan seluruh warga sekolah, dan semangat kebersamaan. Secara keseluruhan, penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa kepemimpinan perempuan dengan gaya demokratis mampu menciptakan lingkungan kerja yang harmonis dan produktif sehingga berkontribusi pada peningkatan mutu pendidikan di sekolah.

This study aims to describe the implementation of democratic leadership by the female principal of SMP Negeri 4 Tanjungpinang and to identify the factors that influence its success. The background of this research arises from societal views that still doubt the leadership capacity of women, despite various studies indicating that women tend to possess communicative, collaborative, and persuasive leadership characteristics. This research employs a qualitative method with a descriptive approach, in which data were collected through observations, interviews, and documentation involving the principal, teachers, staff, and students. The findings reveal that the female principal consistently applies democratic leadership through collective decision-making, openness to criticism and suggestions, appreciation of subordinates’ opinions, and the strengthening of teamwork. This leadership style has produced several positive impacts, including increased teacher motivation, improved school achievements, and growing trust from the community. Moreover, several factors were found to support the effectiveness of democratic leadership, such as open communication, a culture of deliberation, support from all school members, and a strong sense of togetherness. Overall, this research demonstrates that democratic leadership practiced by female school principals contributes significantly to creating a harmonious and productive work environment, thereby improving the quality of education within the school.