Reconstructing the Organizational Culture of Islamic Boarding Schools Based on Shura: A Theoretical Synthesis of the Kiai Hierarchy and Inclusive Collaboration

Abstract

This article aims to formulate a conceptual model for reconstructing Islamic boarding school organizational culture based on sh?r? by synthesizing kiai authority, Islamic educational management values, and modern organizational culture theory. The study is motivated by the need for Islamic boarding schools to respond to contemporary demands for professional governance, accountability, technological adaptation, and human resource participation while maintaining their spiritual and cultural legitimacy. This article employs a conceptual paper design using an integrative literature review approach. The reviewed literature includes classical and contemporary works on Islamic boarding schools, organizational culture, kiai leadership, Islamic educational management, and relevant legal documents. The analysis was conducted through four stages: identifying key concepts, grouping themes, comparing theoretical perspectives, and constructing a conceptual model. The synthesis indicates that the hierarchical culture of Islamic boarding schools should not be understood merely as an obstacle to modernization but rather as a mechanism for preserving values, authority, and institutional continuity. However, this culture needs to be complemented by inclusive collaboration through deliberative communication, managerial delegation, documented decision-making, and adaptive institutional practices. This article contributes to Islamic educational management by offering a sh?r?-based conceptual framework that bridges traditional kiai authority and participatory governance. The proposed model is expected to enrich theoretical discourse and provide a normative foundation for the transformation of Islamic boarding schools within a changing educational landscape.