THE INFLUENCE OF PARTICIPATIVE LEADERSHIP ON SCHOOL INNOVATION CLIMATE WITH TEACHER COLLABORATION AS A MEDIATING VARIABLE

Abstract

This study aims to examine the effect of participatory leadership of school principals on school innovation climate with teacher collaboration as a mediating variable. The background of this study is based on the importance of the role of school principals in creating a school environment that supports collaboration and learning innovation, especially in the post-pandemic era that demands technology-based and creativity-driven educational transformation. This study employs a quantitative approach with an explanatory research design and Structural Equation Modeling-Partial Least Square (SEM-PLS) analysis method. The sample consists of 210 junior high and senior high school teachers in the Jabodetabek region selected through stratified random sampling. The data collection instrument was a closed-ended questionnaire using a 5-point Likert scale. The results of the study indicate that participatory leadership has a significant influence on teacher collaboration and school innovation climate. Teacher collaboration also has a direct influence on innovation climate and is proven to be a significant partial mediator in the relationship between participatory leadership and innovation climate. These findings emphasize the importance of building collaborative and participatory school leadership to promote sustainable innovation in the school environment. This study provides theoretical and practical implications for school principals, policymakers, and the development of leadership training programs in schools.