Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies (JSSHRS)

Integrating Total Quality Management in Pesantren: A Framework for Sustainable Graduate Quality

Agus Yosep Abduloh, Bambang Samsul Arifin, Qiqi Yuliati Zaqiah, Hasbiyallah

27 April 2026 · Vol. 2, Issue 4, pp. 416-423

DOI: 10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E4/2026-13

Abstract

Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) play a significant role in the Indonesian Islamic education system by integrating religious learning with social and academic development. However, variations in institutional governance and educational standards often lead to inconsistencies in graduate quality across pesantren. This study aims to examine the integration of Total Quality Management (TQM) principles within pesantren educational systems and to propose a contextual framework for sustaining graduate quality while preserving the cultural and spiritual identity of pesantren. The study adopts a qualitative approach using a descriptive–analytical case study design. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and document analysis involving key stakeholders, including kyai, teachers, administrators, students, and alumni. Data analysis employed an interactive model consisting of data reduction, data display, and conclusion verification, complemented by grounded analysis techniques such as open, axial, and selective coding. The findings reveal that TQM integration in pesantren is shaped by four interconnected components: kyai leadership, educational management systems, quality culture, and continuous improvement. Kyai leadership acts as the central driver that aligns institutional vision, spiritual values, and managerial practices. This study proposes a contextualized TQM framework that integrates spiritual leadership and value-based organizational culture, contributing to the literature on Islamic educational management and offering strategic guidance for strengthening quality assurance and sustainable graduate quality in pesantren education.

Keywords: Total Quality Management, Pesantren Education, Quality Culture, Kyai Leadership, Sustainable Graduate Quality

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Agus Yosep Abduloh, Bambang Samsul Arifin, Qiqi Yuliati Zaqiah, & Hasbiyallah (2026). Integrating Total Quality Management in Pesantren: A Framework for Sustainable Graduate Quality. Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies, 2(4), 416-423. https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E4/2026-13

@article{Agus2026,
  title   = {Integrating Total Quality Management in Pesantren: A Framework for Sustainable Graduate Quality},
  author  = {Agus Yosep Abduloh and Bambang Samsul Arifin and Qiqi Yuliati Zaqiah and Hasbiyallah},
  journal = {Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies},
  year    = {2026},
  volume  = {2},
  number  = {4},
  pages   = {416-423},
  doi     = {10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E4/2026-13},
  url     = {https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E4/2026-13}
}

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