Journal of Islamic Education Research
Vol. 7 No. 2 (2026): Journal of Islamic Education Research

Kiai Leadership, Institutional Climate, and Santri Learning Motivation: Examining Reciprocal Determinism in Indonesian Pesantren Education

Moh Hanif Adzhar (State Islamic University of Syekh Wasil Kediri)
Umil Mu’alimatun Muzaroh Fitroroh (State Islamic University of Syekh Wasil Kediri)
Devi Widya Nirmala (State Islamic University of Syekh Wasil Kediri)
Ummu Abiha Al Zahra (State Islamic University of Syekh Wasil Kediri)
Muhammad Fatichul Irsyad (State Islamic University of Syekh Wasil Kediri)



Article Info

Publish Date
08 Jun 2026

Abstract

Students' learning motivation can be shaped by the quality of the institutional environment and the leadership figures they encounter daily. Empirical studies that integrate Kiai leadership and institutional climate as simultaneous determinants within a single theoretical framework remain insufficient. This study addresses this gap by simultaneously and partially testing the influence of these two variables on students' learning motivation, grounded in Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory, which asserts that external environmental factors systematically shape an individual's motivational orientation. An associative quantitative approach was applied, involving 148 senior-level students at the Al-Madienah Denanyar pesantren in Jombang, selected through a proportionate stratified random sampling procedure. Data were collected via a Likert-scale questionnaire validated for reliability and validity, then analyzed using multiple linear regression. The results indicate that both variables simultaneously have a significant effect on students' learning motivation (R² = 0.240); however, when analyzed separately, only the institutional climate has a significant effect, while the leadership of the Kiai does not. These findings indicate that the institutional environmental conditions directly experienced by students have stronger predictive power over learning motivation than direct perceptions of the Kiai's leadership figure, thereby reinforcing Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory proposition that external environmental factors act as systematic determinants of individual motivational orientation. It is recommended that pesantren administrators prioritize strengthening the institutional climate, specifically in terms of relationships, discipline, engagement, and safety, as a key intervention in policies aimed at enhancing students' learning motivation. 

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jier

Publisher

Subject

Religion Humanities Education

Description

This journal focuses on advancing the science of Islamic Education through high-quality scholarly works that explore various dimensions, including studies on Pesantren and Madrasah education, curriculum development, pedagogy, and the integration of science and technology. It emphasizes research on ...