School Leadership and Its Impact on Quality Assurance and Accreditation Performance in Higher Education Institutions
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56404/jels.v4i2.71Keywords:
School Leadership, Quality Assurance, Accreditation, Institutional PerformanceAbstract
This study investigates the impact of school leadership on quality assurance practices and accreditation performance at SMA Islam Sunan Gunung Jati. The research addresses how leadership shapes quality assurance processes, how it influences accreditation outcomes, and how these elements interact within an institutional system. A qualitative case study design was employed involving the principal, quality assurance team, teachers, and administrative staff. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, observations, and document analysis, then analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings reveal that leadership establishes a structured and collaborative environment that supports systematic quality assurance implementation. Leadership practices promote consistent documentation, alignment with standards, and active participation among stakeholders. Accreditation performance is strengthened through coordinated preparation, data-informed evaluation, and sustained leadership commitment. The study also identifies an interconnected cycle in which leadership drives quality assurance, quality assurance supports accreditation success, and accreditation feedback informs continuous improvement. These findings highlight the importance of adaptive and consistent leadership in sustaining institutional quality and enhancing accreditation outcomes in educational settings.
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