Enhancing Madrasah Competitiveness: The Role of Digital Leadership, Service Quality, and Islamic Brand Identity in Institutional Reputation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31538/nzh.v9i2.379Keywords:
Digital Leadership, Service Quality, Islamic Brand Identity, Institutional Reputation, Madrasah CompetitivenessAbstract
The accelerating digital transformation in education has compelled Indonesian madrasahs to strengthen their competitiveness while preserving their Islamic identity. However, empirical evidence explaining how digital leadership contributes to institutional reputation remains limited. This study aims to examine the role of digital leadership in enhancing institutional reputation through digital service quality and Islamic brand identity. Grounded in the Resource-Based View (RBV), the study employed a quantitative approach using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Data were collected from 145 stakeholders representing digitally adopting madrasahs across Indonesia. The findings reveal that digital leadership does not directly influence institutional reputation (β = 0.147, p = 0.081). Instead, digital service quality (β = 0.334, p < 0.001) and Islamic brand identity (β = 0.348, p < 0.001) fully mediate the relationship. The model explains 45% of the variance in institutional reputation (R² = 0.450). These findings demonstrate that leadership vision alone is insufficient to generate reputational value unless translated into superior digital services and a strong Islamic brand identity. The study extends RBV within Islamic educational settings and provides practical guidance for madrasah leaders seeking to integrate technological innovation with religious values to achieve sustainable competitiveness.
Downloads
References
Agustian Ramadana Putera, Nurtanio Agus Purwanto, Muhammad Mulyadi, & Raudatul Jannah. (2022). Kepemimpinan Virtual sebagai Alternatif Mempertahankan Budaya Mutu Pondok Pesantren pada Masa Normalitas Baru Pandemi Covid-19. Hayula: Indonesian Journal of Multidisciplinary Islamic Studies, 6(1), 59–80. https://doi.org/10.21009/hayula.006.01.04
Ahmad, F., & Syihabuddin, M. A. (2025). Utilization of the E-Exam Application in Evaluating Student Learning Outcomes at Madrasah Aliyah Fathul Ulum Gabus, Grobogan Regency. Interdisciplinary Journal of Social Sciences, 2(1), 13–22. https://doi.org/10.59373/ijoss.v2i1.103
Alawiyah, T., Handayani, F., Rossa, A. T. R., Syaefuridjal, A., Gaffar, A., Islam, U., Bandung, N., & Barat, J. (2023). Management of Transformational Leadership in Improving the Quality of Student Learning at Islamic Boarding Schools. Tarbawi: Jurnal Keilmuan Manajemen Pendidikan, 9(01), 27–36. https://doi.org/10.32678/tarbawi.v9i01.7254.INTRODUCTION
Alwi, M., & Mumtahana, L. (2023). The Principal’s Strategy in Improving the Quality of Teacher Performance in the Learning Process in Islamic Elementary Schools. Kharisma: Jurnal Administrasi Dan Manajemen Pendidikan, 2(1), 66–78. https://doi.org/10.59373/kharisma.v2i1.18
Amalia, E. R. (2026). Leadership Dynamics in Islamic-Based Schools: A Systematic Review of Southeast Asia (2015–2025). At-Tadzkir: Islamic Education Journal, 5(1), 1–21. https://doi.org/10.59373/attadzkir.v5i1.231
Amzat, I. H., Yanti, P. G., & Suswandari, S. (2022). Estimating the Effect of Principal Instructional and Distributed Leadership on Professional Development of Teachers in Jakarta, Indonesia. Sage Open, 12(3), 21582440221109585. https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440221109585
Anam, M. A., Anwar, K., & Warman, T. (2025). Strengthening Students’ Scientific Literacy through the Ilmi Interpretation Approach in Islamic Religious Education in Elementary Schools. Attadrib: Jurnal Pendidikan Guru Madrasah Ibtidaiyah, 8(3), 621–635. https://doi.org/10.54069/attadrib.v8i3.1054
Annabil, F. S., & Hanif, M. (2025). Kyai’s Leadership in Fostering Alumni Harmony and Solidarity through the Halaqah Approach in Islamic Boarding Schools. Journal of Islamic Education Research, 6(3), 315–330. https://doi.org/10.35719/jier.v6i3.504
Anshori, I., Yansyah, D., Nasiroh, N., Urfi, U., & Ismail, H. A. B. H. (2025). Integration of Artificial Intelligence in Education Management Systems to Improve the Quality of Islamic Education. Thawalib: Jurnal Kependidikan Islam, 6(2), 209–224. https://doi.org/10.54150/thawalib.v6i2.616
Arici, H. E., & Uysal, M. (2022). Leadership, green innovation, and green creativity: A systematic review. The Service Industries Journal, 42(5–6), 280–320.
Arif, M., Aziz, M. K. N. A., & Arif, M. A. M. (2025). A Recent Study on Islamic Religious Education Teachers’ Competencies in the Digital Age: A Systematic Literature Review. Journal of Education and Learning (EduLearn), 19(2), 587–596.
Backman, A., Lövheim, H., Lindkvist, M., Sjögren, K., & Edvardsson, D. (2022). The significance of nursing home managers’ leadership—Longitudinal changes, characteristics and qualifications for perceived leadership, person‐centredness and climate. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 31(9–10), 1377–1388.
Barney, J. B. (2001). Resource-based theories of competitive advantage: A ten-year retrospective on the resource-based view. Journal of Management, 27(6), 643–650. https://doi.org/10.1177/014920630102700602
Byrne, A., Crossan, M., & Seijts, G. (2018). The Development of Leader Character Through Crucible Moments. Journal of Management Education, 42(2). https://doi.org/10.1177/1052562917717292
Caridà, A., Colurcio, M., & Melia, M. (2022). Digital platform for social innovation: Insights from volunteering. Creativity and Innovation Management, 31(4), 755–771. https://doi.org/10.1111/caim.12499
Chatterjee, S., Chaudhuri, R., Vrontis, D., & Thrassou, A. (2025). Revisiting the resource-based view (RBV) theory: From cross-functional capabilities perspective in post COVID-19 period. Journal of Strategic Marketing, 33(6), 822–837. https://doi.org/10.1080/0965254X.2023.2182447
Creswell, J. W., & Plano Clark, V. L. (2018). Designing and conducting mixed methods research (3rd ed.). SAGE.
Elihami, E., Lin, M., & Biqing, C. (2025). Enhancing Islamic Education Pedagogy within the Full day School System through interactive learning: A Quality Improvement Approach. Tafkir: Interdisciplinary Journal of Islamic Education, 6(3), 737–755. https://doi.org/10.31538/tijie.v6i3.747
Farooq, M. S., Chaudhry, a H., Shafiq, M., & Berhanu, G. (2011). Factors Affecting Students’ Quality of Academic Performance: A Case of Secondary School Level. Journal of Quality and Technology Management, VII(II), 1–14.
Fauziyah, Nuha, A. A., Mehnaz, & Darmaningrum, K. T. (2025). Da’wah and Innovation for Economic Empowerment of Traditional Market Traders in The Digital Era. Communicator: Journal of Communication, 2(1), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.59373/comm.v2i1.95
Ghafar, M. (2023). Kyai’s Leadership Strategy and Its Implications For Improving The Quality of Education. Nazhruna, 5(3), 1388–1399. https://doi.org/10.31538/nzh.v5i3.2172
Haddade, H., Nur, A., Achruh, A., Rasyid, M. N. A., & Ibrahim, A. (2024). Madrasah management strategies through Madrasah Reform program: An evidence from Indonesia. International Journal of Educational Management, 38(5), 1289–1304. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEM-05-2023-0236
Haider, S. A., Akbar, A., Tehseen, S., Poulova, P., & Jaleel, F. (2022). The impact of responsible leadership on knowledge sharing behavior through the mediating role of person–organization fit and moderating role of higher educational institute culture. Journal of Innovation and Knowledge, 7(4), 100265. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jik.2022.100265
Haleem, A., Javaid, M., & Singh, R. P. (2024). Perspective of Leadership 4.0 in the Era of Fourth Industrial Revolution: A Comprehensive View. Journal of Industrial Safety, 100006. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jinse.2024.100006
Hamzah, H., Ahmad, S., Hamzah, M. L., Purwati, A. A., & Mutia, T. (2023). Islamic Animation: Netnographic Analysis on Digital Processing Transformation in Social Media. Nazhruna: Jurnal Pendidikan Islam, 6(3), 372–385. https://doi.org/10.31538/nzh.v6i3.4054
Haqqi, I. S. T. A., Darim, A., & Yaqin, A. (2025). Strategic Management of Madrasah Heads in Improving the Quality of Graduates at Madrasah Aliyah. Journal of Education and Learning Innovation, 2(1), 27–39. https://doi.org/10.59373/jelin.v2i1.78
Helfat, C. E., Kaul, A., Ketchen, D. J., Barney, J. B., Chatain, O., & Singh, H. (2023). Renewing the resource‐based view: New contexts, new concepts, and new methods. Strategic Management Journal, 44(6), 1357–1390. https://doi.org/10.1002/smj.3500
Herdiaty, I. S., & Widjaja, A. W. (2025). The Impact of Transformational Leadership on Digital Transformation Towards Madrasah Reform and Performance. Indonesian Interdisciplinary Journal of Sharia Economics (IIJSE), 8(2), 5294–5307. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.31538/iijse.v8i2.6301
Hidayah, N., Purwanto, P., Giyoto, G., Rohmadi, Y., & Wulandari, F. (2024). Educational Level, Work Experience, and Commitment as Determinants of Authentic Leadership Quality Among Elementary School Principals in Surakarta: A Correlational Study. Jurnal Pendidikan Islam, 13(1), 45–53. https://doi.org/10.14421/jpi.2024.131.45-53
Hidayanto, H. N., Sumardjoko, B., & Sutopo, A. (2026). Innovating critical reading through HOTS-based digital books: A mixed-methods study of the FIVES strategy among EFL university students. Jurnal Cakrawala Pendidikan, 45(1). https://doi.org/10.21831/cp.v45i1.91424
Hidayat, T., Mahardiko, R., & Rosyad, A. M. (2023). The Analysis of Data Preparation to Validate Model Values of Information Technology. Virtual Economics, 6(2), 23–34.
Humaida, H., Wati, I. K., Mukmin, M., & Kausar, S. (2026). Digitalizing Islamic Education: Developing a Methodological Model for Generation Z Learners. Attaqwa: Jurnal Ilmu Pendidikan Islam, 22(1), 75–95. https://doi.org/10.54069/attaqwa.v22i1.1044
Huriyah, L., Mudlofir, A., Aziz, M. A., Ma’arif, M. A., Amaliati, S., & Yusrianingsih. (2025). The Importance of Islamic Education Teachers’ Performance Assessment in Realising High Quality Of Madrasah. Jurnal Pendidikan Agama Islam, 22(2), 317–338. https://doi.org/10.14421/jpai.v22i2.11412
Husnaeni, & Burga, M. A. (2024). Supervisors’ role quality and its effect on the students’ ability in compiling reports. Cakrawala Pendidikan, 43(1), 127–139. https://doi.org/10.21831/cp.v43i1.41760
Kafetzopoulos, D. (2022). Ambidextrous leadership: A narrative literature review for theory development and directions for future research. Baltic Journal of Management, 17(2), 206–232.
Kaiseroglou, N., Sfakianaki, E., & Koemtzi, M. (2023). Impact of teachers’ demographics on total quality management parameters. Education Sciences, 13(7).
Kalkan, Ü., Altınay Aksal, F., Altınay Gazi, Z., Atasoy, R., & Dağlı, G. (2020). The Relationship Between School Administrators’ Leadership Styles, School Culture, and Organizational Image. SAGE Open, 10(1), 2158244020902081.
Kurniawan, I., Muslihah, E., & Syarifudin, E. (2022). Kyai’s Leadership Model In Islamic Educational Institutions Pondok Pesantren: A Literature Study. International Journal Of Graduate Of Islamic Education, 3, 302.
Larson, L., & DeChurch, L. A. (2020). Leading teams in the digital age: Four perspectives on technology and what they mean for leading teams. The Leadership Quarterly, 31(1), 101377. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.leaqua.2019.101377
Lickona, T., & Davidson, M. (2005). Smart and good high schools: Developing excellence and ethics for success in school, work and beyond. Cortland, NY: Center for the 4th and 5th Rs.
Lim, W. M., Ciasullo, M. V., Douglas, A., & Kumar, S. (2022). Environmental social governance (ESG) and total quality management (TQM): A multi-study meta-systematic review. Total Quality Management & Business Excellence, 1–23.
Liu, Y., Chen, L., & Yao, Z. (2022). The application of artificial intelligence assistant to deep learning in teachers’ teaching and students’ learning processes. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 929175. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.929175
Lubis, N. W. (2022). Resource based view (RBV) in improving company strategic capacity. Research Horizon, 2(6), 587–596. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.54518/rh.2.6.2022.85
Ma`arif, M. A., Rokhman, M., Fatikh, M. A., Kartiko, A., Ahmadi, A., & Hasan, M. S. (2025). Kiai’s Leadership Strategies in Strengthening Religious Moderation in Islamic Boarding Schools. Jurnal Ilmiah Peuradeun, 13(1), 23–48. https://doi.org/10.26811/peuradeun.v13i1.1168
Marcy, R. T., & Mumford, M. D. (2010). Leader cognition: Improving leader performance through causal analysis. Leadership Quarterly, 21(1), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.leaqua.2009.10.001
Martanti, F., Nurkaenah, N., & Sholikhin, S. (2026). Strengthening the character of cooperation through ethnomathematical understanding in the traditional game Rangku Alu. Journal of Education and Learning Innovation, 3(1), 31–43. https://doi.org/10.59373/jelin.v3i1.275
Mukhammad, M., & Bon, A. T. B. (2026). The Influence of Qur’an Memorization Learning on the Quality of Students’ Qur’an Memorization. At-Tadzkir: Islamic Education Journal, 5(1), 40–51. https://doi.org/10.59373/attadzkir.v5i1.239
Mukhlasin, A., Wijaya, C., & Halimah, S. (2023). Transformational Leadership Development Patterns In Realizing Effective Madrasah (Multisite Study At Madrasah Aliyah Negeri Deli Serdang Regency). Edukasi Islami: Jurnal Pendidikan Islam, 12(01). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.30868/ei.v12i01.4399
Munirah, H., Aslamiah, & Rizalie, A. M. (2022). The Model of Kyai’s Leadership in Islamic Boarding Schools (Multi-Case Study in Modern Ummul Qura Islamic Boarding School and Ar-Raudhah Amuntai Islamic Boarding School). International Journal of Social Science and Human Research, 05(06). https://doi.org/10.47191/ijsshr/v5-i6-93
Nurdi, M. S., & Ahmad, A. B. (2025). Analyzing the Implementation of Total Quality Management Principles in Character Education Programs at Madrasah Ibtidaiyah. Attadrib: Jurnal Pendidikan Guru Madrasah Ibtidaiyah, 8(1), 221–236. https://doi.org/10.54069/attadrib.v8i1.896
Oruh, E. S., Mordi, C., Dibia, C. H., & Ajonbadi, H. A. (2021). Exploring compassionate managerial leadership style in reducing employee stress level during COVID-19 crisis: The case of Nigeria. Employee Relations: The International Journal, 43(6), 1362–1381.
Patnaik, S., Munjal, S., Varma, A., & Sinha, S. (2022). Extending the resource-based view through the lens of the institution-based view: A longitudinal case study of an Indian higher educational institution. Journal of Business Research, 147, 124–141. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2022.03.091
Peterson, K. D., & Deal, T. E. (2011). The shaping school culture fieldbook. John Wiley & Sons.
Prabowo, M. S., Pratiwi, R., Pambudi, B., Coriala, M. E., & Aziz, M. A. (2022). Digital Literacy and Development of Santripreneur Asset Quality Through The Leadership Role of Kyai: A Case Study of Islamic Boarding Schools. Journal of Private and Commercial Law, 6(2), 157–182. https://doi.org/10.15294/jpcl.v6i2.38837
Rachman, P., Abidin, M., Khudori Soleh, A., & Murfi, A. (2025). Balanced Reputation Management Strategy: A Cross-Site Case Study of Branding Image for Competitive Advantage in Indonesian Islamic Higher Education Institutions. Jurnal Pendidikan Islam, 14(1), 15–34. https://doi.org/10.14421/jpi.2025.141.15-34
Riski, A., Chande, A., & Adriantoni. (2024). Implementation of a Digital Leadership Model in Improving the Quality of Islamic Boarding Schools. Munaddhomah: Jurnal Manajemen Pendidikan Islam, 5(2), 185–194. https://doi.org/10.31538/munaddhomah.v5i2.566
Rismanila, Bahrun, & Niswanto. (2025). Analysis of Professional Competency Development on the Performance of Guidance and Counseling Teachers Madrasah Aliyah. Tafkir: Interdisciplinary Journal of Islamic Education, 6(2), 351–370. https://doi.org/10.31538/tijie.v6i2.1387
Rohman, A., Muhtamiroh, S., Imron, A., & Miyono, N. (2023). Integrating traditional-modern education in madrasa to promote competitive graduates in the globalization era. Cogent Education, 10(2), 2268456. https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2023.2268456
Romli, M. H., Wan Yunus, F., Cheema, M. S., Abdul Hamid, H., Mehat, M. Z., Md Hashim, N. F., Foong, C. C., Hong, W.-H., & Jaafar, M. H. (2022). A Meta-synthesis on Technology-Based Learning Among Healthcare Students in Southeast Asia. Medical Science Educator, 32(3), 657–677. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40670-022-01564-3
Sagoro, E. M., Warsono, S., Mustakini, J. H., & Handayani, W. (2025). Instructional design innovation in distance learning to improve student learning performance. Cakrawala Pendidikan, 44(2), 402–412. https://doi.org/10.21831/cp.v44i2.81356
Saif, N., Amelia, Goh, G. G. G., Rubin, A., Shaheen, I., & Murtaza, M. (2024). Influence of transformational leadership on innovative work behavior and task performance of individuals: The mediating role of knowledge sharing. Heliyon, 10(11), e32280. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32280
Sallis, E. (2006). Total quality Management ini Education. Ahmad Ali Riyadi et. al.(Terj.), Jogjakarta: IRCiSoD.
Shal, T., Ghamrawi, N., & Naccache, H. (2024). Leadership styles and AI acceptance in academic libraries in higher education. Journal of Academic Librarianship, 50(2), 102849. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acalib.2024.102849
Shittu, A. A., Sheu, M. A., Olaifa, A. S., Faruk, Y. A., & Alao, M. I. (2025). Principals’ Budget Management Practices: A Predictor of Public Junior Secondary School Performance in Kwara State, Nigeria. Attadrib: Jurnal Pendidikan Guru Madrasah Ibtidaiyah, 8(1), 48–58. https://doi.org/10.54069/attadrib.v8i1.839
Suhardono, S., Lee, C. H., Thuy Phan, T. T., & Suryawan, I. W. K. (2025). Resident action in smart waste management during landfill disclosure transition: Insights from Yogyakarta’s smart city initiatives. Cleaner Production Letters, 8(January), 100093. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clpl.2025.100093
Thampi, K. (2022). Strategizing the performance of Non-Government Organisations: Exploring Organisational Practices and Managerial Leadership Behaviour in Indian NGOs. Asia Pacific Journal of Social Work and Development, 1–15.
Tjeldvoll, A. (2011). Change leadership in universities: The Confucian dimension. Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management, 33(3), 219–230.
Ullah, M., Javed, M., Shafiq, M., & Iqbal, M. (2022). Digital leadership and organizational innovation: The mediating role of knowledge sharing. Journal of Innovation & Knowledge, 7(3), 100189. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jik.2022.100189
Yela Aránega, A., Gonzalo Montesinos, C., & del Val Núñez, M. T. (2023). Towards an entrepreneurial leadership based on kindness in a digital age. Journal of Business Research, 159(December 2022). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2023.113747
Yuliana, L., Prasojo, L. D., Akalili, A., & Firdaus, F. M. (2025). Development of a learning leadership model for vocational high school principals to foster student well-being within the framework of Merdeka Belajar. Cakrawala Pendidikan, 44(1), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.21831/cp.v44i1.78373
Zuhri, A., Alnashr, M. S., Nihayah, H., Ihsan, I., Ulumuddin, I. K., Darnoto, D., & Munjiat, S. M. (2026). How Madrasahs Build Students’ Character in Indonesia’s Society 5.0 Era: Emerging Challenges. Nazhruna: Jurnal Pendidikan Islam, 9(1), 166–186. https://doi.org/10.31538/nzh.v9i1.412
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Moh Ali, Al Ghazali Al Ghazali, Alwy Husein Prawironegoro, Neila Najmi Aulia, Im Youngho, Ibnu Rusydi
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Mendeley
Zotero
Grammarly
Spelling & Grammar
Turnitin 
