Human Resources Management Based on Spirituality to Improve the Quality of Education in Islamic Educational Institutions
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35723/ajie.v9i4.206Keywords:
Human Resources Management, Quality of Education, Islamic Educational InstitutionAbstract
This study investigates the role of spirituality-based human resource (HR) management in enhancing the quality of education in Islamic educational institutions, with a case study at MA Miftahul Ulum Probolinggo, East Java. Using a qualitative case study design, data were collected through in-depth interviews, observations, and document analysis from 15 informants, including the principal, teachers, and staff. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis following Miles and Huberman's model, meanwhile, for data validity through source triangulation and member checking. The findings reveal that integrating Islamic spiritual values such as sincerity (ikhlāṣ), honesty (ṣidq), and trustworthiness (amānah) into recruitment, training, and performance appraisal fosters a harmonious work culture, increases teacher motivation, and strengthens student discipline and moral character. This value-driven HR management approach is institutionalised through formal policies and daily routines, such as collective prayers and Qur'an study sessions, which enhance both professional commitment and organisational cohesion. The study contributes to the literature by offering a contextual model of Islamic HR management that operationalises spiritual values in managerial practices to achieve holistic educational outcomes. The findings are presented in line with the research objectives. First, regarding the role of management, the principal acted as a value-based leader and role model, embedding Islamic spiritual principles such as sincerity (ikhlāṣ), honesty (ṣidq), and trustworthiness (amānah) into recruitment, training, and performance appraisal. Second, concerning the application of management principles, formal policies and daily routines accommodate values, such as communal prayer, Quran study sessions, and ethics-oriented performance evaluations, which foster a harmonious work culture, increase teacher motivation, and enhance students' discipline and moral character. While limited to a single institution, this research provides a contextual model for integrating spirituality into HR management practices to improve educational quality in faith-based schools.
References
[1] Abbas, A., Ekowati, D., Suhariadi, F., & Anwar, A. (2024). Human Capital Creation: A Collective Psychological, Social, Organizational and Religious Perspective. Journal of Religion and Health, 63(3), 2168–2200. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-022-01665-8
[2] Abidin, Z., Qusairi, A., Hanifansyah, N., & Mubarak, F. (2025). Learning Innovation in Islamic Boarding Schools in East Java: Technology’s Role in Enhancing Teaching Effectiveness. Tarbiya: Journal of Education in Muslim Society, 63–76. https://doi.org/10.15408/tjems.v12i1.45642
[3] Aboobaker, N., & K.A., Z. (2024). Nurturing the soul at work: Unveiling the impact of spiritual leadership, interpersonal justice and voice behavior on employee intention to stay. International Journal of Ethics and Systems, 40(3), 539–560. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOES-01-2023-0013
[4] Aguilera, R. V., & Castillo, M. (2025). Toward an updated corporate governance framework: Fundamentals, disruptions, and future research. BRQ Business Research Quarterly, 28(2), 336–348. https://doi.org/10.1177/23409444251320399
[5] Ahsan, M. J. (2025). Cultivating a culture of learning: The role of leadership in fostering lifelong development. The Learning Organization, 32(2), 282–306. https://doi.org/10.1108/TLO-03-2024-0099
[6] Alkouatli, C., Memon, N., Chown, D., & Sai, Y. (2023). Something more beautiful: Educational and epistemic integrations beyond inequities in Muslim-minority contexts. Journal for Multicultural Education, 17(4), 406–418. https://doi.org/10.1108/JME-05-2022-0062
[7] Altinyelken, H. K. (2021). Critical thinking and non-formal Islamic education: Perspectives from young Muslims in the Netherlands. Contemporary Islam, 15(3), 267–285. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11562-021-00470-6
[8] Arshad, M., Abid, G., & Torres, F. V. C. (2021). Impact of prosocial motivation on organizational citizenship behavior: The mediating role of ethical leadership and leader–member exchange. Quality & Quantity, 55(1), 133–150. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11135-020-00997-5
[9] Azme, N. (2024). Integrating Islamic Spirituality in Teacher Training: Analysis of Faculty Development Programs and Their Impact on Teaching Practices. Journal of Islamic, Social, Economics and Development, 9(67), 81–90. https://doi.org/10.55573/JISED.09678
[10] Blanchard, P. N., & Thacker, J. W. (2023). Practical Training: Systems, Strategies, and Practices. SAGE Publications.
[11] Budur, T. (2024). Virtue-based leadership and organizational commitment: A study from Al-Ghazali’s perspective. International Journal of Ethics and Systems. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOES-03-2024-0081
[12] Chanifah, N., Hanafi, Y., Mahfud, C., & Samsudin, A. (2021). Designing a spirituality-based Islamic education framework for young muslim generations: A case study from two Indonesian universities. Higher Education Pedagogies, 6(1), 195–211. https://doi.org/10.1080/23752696.2021.1960879
[13] Cherian, J., Gaikar, V., Paul, R., & Pech, R. (2021). Corporate Culture and Its Impact on Employees’ Attitude, Performance, Productivity, and Behavior: An Investigative Analysis from Selected Organizations of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity, 7(1), 45. https://doi.org/10.3390/joitmc7010045
[14] Chotimah, C., Qudsy, S. Z., & Yusuf, M. (2025). Superficial implementation of religious moderation in Islamic educational management. Cogent Education, 12(1), 2442235. https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2024.2442235
[15] d’Angelo, M. J., Café, M. V., & Rocha, R. G. (2023). Impacts of parents’ and guardians’ trust in confessional schools on students’ perceived performance and spirituality. International Journal of Educational Management, 37(6/7), 1535–1551. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEM-08-2022-0331
[16] Dale, A., Arber, S., & Procter, M. (2025). Doing Secondary Analysis. Taylor & Francis.
[17] Dasrimin, H., Bafadal, I., Arifin, I., & Dami, Z. A. (2023). Spirituality leader qualities in catholic schools in Malang, Indonesia: Teacher and student character strengthened. Issues in Educational Research, 33(4), 1342–1361. https://doi.org/10.3316/informit.T2024050100000291538322435
[18] Dubey, S., & Bedi, S. S. (2024). Workplace Spirituality: A Systematic Review and Future Research Agenda. Journal of Management, Spirituality & Religion, 21(1), 83–128. https://doi.org/10.51327/CQER6430
[19] Efendy, R., Rahman, A., & Karim, A. R. (2023). Scientific Transformation of Islamic Boarding Schools through Role of Alums the Islamic Education Study Program. Al-Hayat: Journal of Islamic Education, 7(2), 355. https://doi.org/10.35723/ajie.v7i2.349
[20] Faletehan, A. F. (2024). Embracing Duality: Exploring the Synergy of Traditional and Religious HRM Practices to Enhance Volunteer Retention in Faith-Based Organizations. Human Service Organizations: Management, Leadership & Governance, 48(5), 649–666. https://doi.org/10.1080/23303131.2024.2353041
[21] Ghosh, S., & Mukherjee, S. (2020). The Relevance of Spirituality and Corporate Social Responsibility in Management Education: Insights from Classical Indian Wisdom. Philosophy of Management, 19(4), 469–497. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40926-020-00141-1
[22] Gottschalk, L. A., & Gleser, G. C. (2022). The Measurement of Psychological States Through the Content Analysis of Verbal Behavior. Univ of California Press.
[23] Gupta, D. A. (2024). The Corporate Spirituality: Models, Measurements, Challenges, Ethics and Answers. Notion Press.
[24] Halkias, D., Neubert, M., Thurman, P. W., & Harkiolakis, N. (2022). The Multiple Case Study Design: Methodology and Application for Management Education (1st ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003244936
[25] Hameli, K., & Aktaş, H. (2024). The relationship between organizational spirituality, leadership styles and employee well-being: The moderating role of organizational trust. International Journal of Ethics and Systems. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOES-07-2024-0215
[26] Hancock, D. R., Algozzine, B., & Lim, J. H. (2021). Doing Case Study Research: A Practical Guide for Beginning Researchers. Teachers College Press.
[27] Harrison, T., Dineen, K., & Moller, F. (2022). Tests of life or life of tests?: Similarities and differences in parents’ and teachers’ prioritisation of character, academic attainment, the virtues and moral theories. Journal of Beliefs & Values, 43(2), 137–158. https://doi.org/10.1080/13617672.2021.1920233
[28] Hatami, S., & Shekarchizadeh, H. (2022). Relationship between spiritual health, resilience, and happiness among a group of dental students: A cross-sectional study with structural equation modeling method. BMC Medical Education, 22(1), 184. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-022-03243-8
[29] Heidari, M., HoseinPour, M. A., Ardebili, M., & Yoosefee, S. (2022). The association of the spiritual health and psychological well-being of teachers with their organizational commitment. BMC Psychology, 10(1), 55. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-022-00768-x
[30] Henriksen, M. G., Englander, M., & Nordgaard, J. (2022). Methods of data collection in psychopathology: The role of semi-structured, phenomenological interviews. Phenomenology and the Cognitive Sciences, 21(1), 9–30. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11097-021-09730-5
[31] Heucher, K., Alt, E., Soderstrom, S., Scully, M., & Glavas, A. (2024). Catalyzing Action on Social and Environmental Challenges: An Integrative Review of Insider Social Change Agents. Academy of Management Annals, 18(1), 295–347. https://doi.org/10.5465/annals.2022.0205
[32] Iqbal, N., Machielsen, A. J. H. M., Breukink, S. O., Woodcock, R., Kane, G., Alrubaiy, L., Grossi, U., Kimman, M. L., & Tozer, P. J. (2022). Living with cryptoglandular anal fistula: A qualitative investigation of the patient’s experience through semi-structured patient interviews. Quality of Life Research, 31(8), 2505–2518. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-022-03098-y
[33] Jena, L. K. (2022). Does workplace spirituality lead to raising employee performance? The role of citizenship behavior and emotional intelligence. International Journal of Organizational Analysis, 30(6), 1309–1334. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOA-06-2020-2279
[34] Karim, A., Fathurohman, O., Sulaiman, S., Marliani, L., Muhammadun, M., & Firmansyah, B. (2025). How do principals act as leaders and managers in boarding and public schools in Indonesia? Cogent Education, 12(1), 2445354. https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2024.2445354
[35] Kaur Bagga, S., Gera, S., & Haque, S. N. (2023). The mediating role of organizational culture: Transformational leadership and change management in virtual teams. Asia Pacific Management Review, 28(2), 120–131. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmrv.2022.07.003
[36] Keltu, T. T. (2024). The effect of human resource development practice on employee performance with the mediating role of job satisfaction among Mizan Tepi University’s academic staff in Southwestern Ethiopia. Heliyon, 10(8), e29821. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29821
[37] Kirby, D., & Özkula, S. M. (2023). The dead pig’s photo album: Affective visual rituals in collective identity formation. International Journal of Cultural Studies, 26(5), 567–587. https://doi.org/10.1177/13678779231172788
[38] Kleinheksel, A. J., Rockich-Winston, N., Tawfik, H., & Wyatt, T. R. (2020). Demystifying Content Analysis. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 84(1), 7113. https://doi.org/10.5688/ajpe7113
[39] Kuhn, N., Lopes, L. F. D., Silva, W. V. D., Da Silva, L. S. C. V., & Veiga, C. P. D. (2025). Spirituality and workplace performance: A theoretical insight. Social Responsibility Journal, 21(2), 351–377. https://doi.org/10.1108/SRJ-10-2023-0570
[40] Küpers, W., Shrivastava, P., & Zsolnai, L. (2025). Building Practical Wisdom in Business, Organisation and Management through Transformative Civic Education (´Bildung´). Journal of Management, Spirituality & Religion, 22(3), 314–341. https://doi.org/10.51327/SOWN9168
[41] Li, W., Abdalla, A. A., Mohammad, T., Khassawneh, O., & Parveen, M. (2023). Towards Examining the Link Between Green HRM Practices and Employee Green in-Role Behavior: Spiritual Leadership as a Moderator. Psychology Research and Behavior Management, Volume 16, 383–396. https://doi.org/10.2147/PRBM.S396114
[42] Low, J. J. Q., & Ayoko, O. B. (2020). The Emergence of Spiritual Leader and Leadership in Religion-Based Organizations. Journal of Business Ethics, 161(3), 513–530. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-018-3954-7
[43] Mahipalan, M. (2023). The interplay between spirituality, compassion and citizenship behaviours in the lives of educators: A study. International Journal of Ethics and Systems, 39(4), 804–819. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOES-12-2021-0233
[44] Malhotra, N., & Hinings, C. R. (Bob). (2015). Unpacking Continuity and Change as a Process of Organizational Transformation. Long Range Planning, 48(1), 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lrp.2013.08.012
[45] Maulidi, A., Girindratama, M. W., Putra, A. R., Sari, R. P., & Nuswantara, D. A. (2024). Qualitatively beyond the ledger: Unravelling the interplay of organisational control, whistleblowing systems, fraud awareness, and religiosity. Cogent Social Sciences, 10(1), 2320743. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311886.2024.2320743
[46] McClurg, N. (Nan) O., Ellinger, A. D., McWhorter, R., & Osman‐Gani, Aa. (2024). Exploring individuals’ workplace spirituality in the context of their work teams: A qualitative multi‐case, multi‐team study. Human Resource Development Quarterly, 35(2), 133–163. https://doi.org/10.1002/hrdq.21499
[47] Miles, M. B., Huberman, A. M., & Saldaña, J. (2014). Qualitative Data Analysis: A Methods Sourcebook (3rd ed.). SAGE Publications.
[48] Moya, S., & Toledano, N. (2025). The Space for Religion and Spirituality in Business, Management, and Entrepreneurship Education: Reflections on the Main Contributions and Tentative Directions. Journal of Business Ethics, 198(1), 155–175. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-024-05787-9
[49] Natow, R. S. (2020). The use of triangulation in qualitative studies employing elite interviews. Qualitative Research, 20(2), 160–173. https://doi.org/10.1177/1468794119830077
[50] Paul, M., & Jena, L. K. (2022). Workplace spirituality, teachers’ professional well-being and mediating role of positive psychological capital: An empirical validation in the Indian context. International Journal of Ethics and Systems, 38(4), 633–660. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOES-08-2021-0163
[51] Pong, H.-K. (2021). The cultivation of university students’ spiritual wellbeing in holistic education: Longitudinal mixed-methods study. International Journal of Children’s Spirituality, 26(3), 99–132. https://doi.org/10.1080/1364436X.2021.1898344
[52] Pradhan, R. K., Jandu, K., Samal, J., & Patnaik, J. B. (2023). Does practicing spirituality at workplace make teachers more engaged? Examining the role of emotional intelligence. International Journal of Ethics and Systems, 39(4), 859–874. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOES-05-2022-0105
[53] Priya, A. (2021). Case Study Methodology of Qualitative Research: Key Attributes and Navigating the Conundrums in Its Application. Sociological Bulletin, 70(1), 94–110. https://doi.org/10.1177/0038022920970318
[54] Qusairi, A., Fikri, H., & Akbar, M. (2025). Integrating Tradition and Modernity: Educational Management Strategies. Nidhomiyyah: Jurnal Manajemen Pendidikan Islam, 6(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.38073/nidhomiyyah.v6i1.1946
[55] Raza, S. A., Khan, K. A., & Hakim, F. (2024). Whether organizational citizenship behavior is triggered by employee CSR perception and spiritual values: The moderating role of Islamic work ethics. Management Research Review, 47(3), 353–373. https://doi.org/10.1108/MRR-10-2022-0714
[56] Renmans, D., & Castellano Pleguezuelo, V. (2023). Methods in realist evaluation: A mapping review. Evaluation and Program Planning, 97, 102209. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2022.102209
[57] Rocha, R., & Fry, L. (Jody) W. (2023). Mapping the Research on Spirituality and Culture: A Bibliometric Analysis. Journal of Management, Spirituality & Religion, 20(3), 230–269. https://doi.org/10.51327/PUOF7514
[58] Rocha, R. G., & Pinheiro, P. G. (2021). Organizational Spirituality: Concept and Perspectives. Journal of Business Ethics, 171(2), 241–252. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-020-04463-y
[59] Rose, J., & Johnson, C. W. (2020). Contextualizing reliability and validity in qualitative research: Toward more rigorous and trustworthy qualitative social science in leisure research. Journal of Leisure Research, 51(4), 432–451. https://doi.org/10.1080/00222216.2020.1722042
[60] Rutakumwa, R., Mugisha, J. O., Bernays, S., Kabunga, E., Tumwekwase, G., Mbonye, M., & Seeley, J. (2020). Conducting in-depth interviews with and without voice recorders: A comparative analysis. Qualitative Research, 20(5), 565–581. https://doi.org/10.1177/1468794119884806
[61] Saeed, I., Khan, J., Zada, M., Ullah, R., Vega-Muñoz, A., & Contreras-Barraza, N. (2022). Towards Examining the Link Between Workplace Spirituality and Workforce Agility: Exploring Higher Educational Institutions. Psychology Research and Behavior Management, Volume 15, 31–49. https://doi.org/10.2147/PRBM.S344651
[62] Sapra, J., Khosla, K., & Dungrakoti, G. (2022). Spirituality at workplace and its impact on academic performance: An empirical study among private higher education faculties of Delhi NCR. Journal of Organizational Change Management, 35(1), 18–37. https://doi.org/10.1108/JOCM-08-2020-0248
[63] Sapta, I. K. S., Rustiarini, N. W., Kusuma, I. G. A. E. T., & Astakoni, I. M. P. (2021). Spiritual leadership and organizational commitment: The mediation role of workplace spirituality. Cogent Business & Management, 8(1), 1966865. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311975.2021.1966865
[64] Serafini, P. G., Moura, J. M. D., Almeida, M. R. D., & Rezende, J. F. D. D. (2022). Sustainable Development Goals in Higher Education Institutions: A systematic literature review. Journal of Cleaner Production, 370, 133473. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.133473
[65] Srivastava, S., Dhamija, P., & Madan, P. (2025). “How does workplace spirituality influence organizational citizenship behavior in the hospitality industry?”: A person-organization fit perspective. Journal of Asia Business Studies, 19(2), 339–364. https://doi.org/10.1108/JABS-01-2024-0017
[66] Steć, M., & Kulik, M. M. (2021). The Psycho-Didactic Approach in Religious and Moral Education. Towards Personal Growth and Positive Mental Health of Students. Religions, 12(6), 424. https://doi.org/10.3390/rel12060424
[67] Tisdell, E. J., Merriam, S. B., & Stuckey-Peyrot, H. L. (2025). Qualitative Research: A Guide to Design and Implementation. John Wiley & Sons.
[68] Toumi, S., & Su, Z. (2023). Islamic values and human resources management: A qualitative study of grocery stores in the Quebec province. International Journal of Cross Cultural Management, 23(1), 79–112. https://doi.org/10.1177/14705958221136691
[69] Tracy, S. J. (2024). Qualitative Research Methods: Collecting Evidence, Crafting Analysis, Communicating Impact. John Wiley & Sons.
[70] Umar, U., Setyosari, P., Kamdi, W., & Sulton, S. (2021). Exploration of Moral Integrity Education and Superior Cadre Leadership at Madrasah Boarding School Indonesia. International Journal of Instruction, 14(4), 753–774. https://doi.org/10.29333/iji.2021.14443a
[71] Usman, E., Hunaida, W. L., Mala, A., Irwanto, Moch. S. H., & Muhid, A. (2024). Comparative Analysis of Islamic Education Policies in Indonesia and Russia. Al-Hayat: Journal of Islamic Education, 8(1), 378. https://doi.org/10.35723/ajie.v8i1.367
[72] Venus, M., Stam, D., & Van Knippenberg, D. (2019). Visions of Change as Visions of Continuity. Academy of Management Journal, 62(3), 667–690. https://doi.org/10.5465/amj.2015.1196
[73] Walid, M., Budianto, L., Rohmana, W. I. M., Wahyuni, E. N., Ali, N., & Uyun, F. (2025). Caring leadership as a leading factor in cultivating the research culture: Evidence from Islamic higher education. Cogent Education, 12(1), 2480485. https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2025.2480485
[74] Whitehouse, H. (2021). The Ritual Animal: Imitation and Cohesion in the Evolution of Social Complexity. Oxford University Press.
[75] Widdah, M. E. (2022). Madrasah Management Strategy as the Education Base for Religious Cadre. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 21(11), 227–242. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.21.11.13
[76] Williams, W. A., Brandon, R.-S., Hayek, M., Haden, S. P., & Atinc, G. (2017). Servant leadership and followership creativity: The influence of workplace spirituality and political skill. Leadership & Organization Development Journal, 38(2), 178–193. https://doi.org/10.1108/LODJ-02-2015-0019
[77] Wong, M.-Y. (2023). University students’ perceptions of learning of moral education: A response to lifelong moral education in higher education. Teaching in Higher Education, 28(3), 654–671. https://doi.org/10.1080/13562517.2020.1852201
[78] Zacher, H., & Rudolph, C. W. (2022). Researching employee experiences and behavior in times of crisis: Theoretical and methodological considerations and implications for human resource management. German Journal of Human Resource Management: Zeitschrift Für Personalforschung, 36(1), 6–31. https://doi.org/10.1177/23970022211058812
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Zainal Abidin, Ahmad Qusairi, Fadhel Mubarak, Musleh Harry (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
The AJIE content is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license (CC BY 4.0). Authors retain unrestricted copyright and publishing rights of their articles. Authors grant the Publisher the Affairs Al-Hayat Al-Istiqomah Foundation a license to publish the article and identify itself as the original publisher. Authors also grant any third party the right to use or reuse the article freely as long as its original authors and citation details are identified.
