<![CDATA[General Background Managing educational institutions demands competent executives capable of maintaining organizational stability and coordinating diverse human resources. Specific Background The theoretical framework proposed by Fred Fiedler postulates that managerial success relies fundamentally on aligning a director's style with specific situational contexts. Knowledge Gap Previous literature predominantly explores general situational management without specifically analyzing this framework regarding differing administrative approaches toward educators compared to operational employees within Islamic schools. Aims This study analyzes the executive management at SMA Muhammadiyah 2 Sidoarjo using Fiedler's framework, specifically examining the differing approaches applied to educators versus operational personnel. Results A descriptive qualitative phenomenological approach reveals that the executive applies a contextual and flexible style. A task-oriented approach is directed at administrative personnel to manage routine, structured operational duties, whereas a relationship-oriented approach is applied to educators to support professional autonomy and academic creativity. Both groups positively perceive these differing methods because the chosen styles align perfectly with their respective job characteristics. Novelty This research uniquely prioritizes the subjective, lived experiences of subordinates to demonstrate that practical flexibility can coexist with an executive's dominant managerial tendencies. Implications Educational executives must apply contextual management strategies that differentiate between academic and operational personnel to optimize school performance and harmony. Highlights: A relationship-oriented style supports academic creativity and professional autonomy among educators. Administrative personnel receive strict directives to ensure structured operational stability. Subordinates positively perceive varying managerial approaches when strategies match specific job characteristics. Keywords: Educational Innovation, Fiedler Contingency Model, Situational Managemen,; Adaptive Leadership, Work Characteristics]]>
