Strategic Leadership And Cultural Transformation In A Resource-Constrained Islamic University Context

Abstract

This study explores the implementation of strategic leadership in a multicultural, resource-constrained environment at Universitas Muhammadiyah Maumere, located in predominantly non-Muslim East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Employing a qualitative phenomenological approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews with key institutional stakeholders including university leaders, local government officials, and Muhammadiyah representatives. Thematic analysis using NVivo software revealed six core themes: value-based strategic leadership, organizational culture transformation, resource innovation, inclusive religious practices, collaboration networks, and community responsiveness. The findings demonstrate that university leadership adopts an adaptive and inclusive strategy grounded in Islamic values without imposing religious dominance. Instead, it fosters pluralism and educational access while promoting internal transformation toward participative governance. This research contributes to the growing literature on higher education management in complex environments, especially for Islamic institutions operating in non-majority Muslim regions. It highlights how strategic leadership rooted in contextual sensitivity and ideological flexibility can transform challenges into opportunities. The results are relevant for policy makers, higher education administrators, and religious-based institutions seeking to align vision, community engagement, and institutional sustainability.