Ihsan Achievement-Oriented Leadership: Conceptualization, Scale Development, and Validation

Abstract

This study aims to intervene the concept of achievement-oriented leadership by utilizing path-goal leadership theory, with Islamic ethical values that have a transcendental meaning, namely the ihsan value. It also introduces ihsan achievement oriented leadership as a new leadership concept. This intervention is important because the concepts and empirical studies from several existing studies are still oriented to the transactional relationship between leaders and employees. As the result, the best work commitment is based on the employees' preferences of the awards received for their work. Their orientation is still limited to material values in the world rather than religious values and hereafter life. Therefore, the researchers collected data from 103 institutional leaders of madrasah aliyah (Islamic senior high school) in Central Java, Indoneisa. The data collected were tested for the validity of each item by using linear correlation, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and Cronbach's α. This study found 24 indicator items in ihsan achievement-oriented leadership. The items are accumulated in three dimensions; excellent work oriented by maintaining harmony and benefit, goodness or achievement is believed to be an investment in the future (world and hereafter), and spiritual spirit is the main motivation and goal. The findings of this study enrich the literature on human resource development, especially in the field of achievement-oriented leadership so that it becomes more holistic and comprehensive.