Building Religious and Collaborative School Culture Through Visionary Leadership: Evidence From Three Integrated Islamic Elementary Schools in Jambi Province

This study explores the role of visionary leadership of school principals in shaping school culture in three Integrated Islamic Elementary Schools (SDIT) in Jambi Province: SDIT Al-Hikmah Kuala Tungkal, SDIT An-Nahl Percikan Iman Jambi, and SDIT Ad-Dhuha Muara Bungo. Using a qualitative approach with a multisite case study design, data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and document analysis. The study aims to analyze how principals formulate a shared vision, implement strategic cultural programs, and overcome internal and external challenges to build a school culture grounded in Islamic values. The findings reveal that visionary leadership significantly contributes to the creation of a strong, collaborative, and religiously rooted school culture. Strategies include integrating Islamic values into the curriculum, daily religious practices, character education, and creating a conducive environment for spiritual and social development. However, the research identifies several challenges, including a gap between the principals’ vision and the school’s human resource capacity, limited community participation, and inconsistencies in program implementation. Theoretically, the study contributes to the development of visionary leadership models in Islamic education management. Practically, it provides recommendations for strengthening school culture through long-term, sustainable leadership practices that foster an academically excellent, morally upright, and spiritually resilient generation.