Innovation of Brand Building and Character Development in Islamic School: A Transformation Based on School Core Values

Authors

  • Bagus Cahyanto Universitas Islam Malang https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6084-645X
  • Agus Mukti Wibowo Universitas Islam Negeri Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang
  • Ahmad Arifuddin Universitas Islam Negeri Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon
  • Damajanti Kusuma Dewi Universitas Negeri Surabaya
  • Evi Rizqi Salamah Universitas Hasyim Asy’ari Tebuireng Jombang
  • Abdul Ghafar Don Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31538/munaddhomah.v6i3.1784

Keywords:

Islamic school, School brand, Character education, Transformation, School core values

Abstract

This paper describes the innovation process of Islamic schools in building students' image and character. This research was conducted at the primary education level, specifically at a private junior high school in the suburbs. The school has proven successful in building its image and character education model, transforming it from a public school into a leading school chosen by parents. Furthermore, this school was selected based on several other factors, including its unique history and its position as a leading and exemplary Islamic school in Malang, Indonesia. This study employs a qualitative case study approach, with data collection conducted through interviews, observations, and documentation. In the data analysis process, the researcher used case study data analysis, as described by Yin, which consists of four parts: pattern matching, explanation building, time series analysis, and repeated observations. The study's results revealed that the school was initially an underappreciated Islamic school with lower parental school preferences. The school did not offer any specialisations or achievements to prospective students. After the school innovated by initiating and articulating its core values in various aspects of the school, including the curriculum, environment, and social media, the school's core values became a driving force in developing character education and enhancing the school's brand. This condition attracts public attention and increases parental preference for schools. This study suggests that initiating and articulating unique and strong core values is a breakthrough that can transform the brand and character education model of schools, ultimately increasing parental preference for these institutions. This study recommends further quantitative research to measure the specific impact of implementing core values ​​on parental preferences in a more measurable manner.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Abdulkadiroglu, A., Pathak, P. A., Schellenberg, J., & Walters, C. R. (2020). Do parents value school effectiveness?. American Economic Review, 110(5), 1502-1539. https://doi.org/10.1257/aer.20172040

Abdullah, I., Hudayana, B., Kutanegara, P. M., & Indiyanto, A. (2019). Beyond school reach: Character education in three schools in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Journal of Educational and Social Research, 9(3). https://doi.org/10.2478/jesr-2019-0032

Adams, K. (2014). What is a child? Children’s perceptions, the Cambridge Primary Review and implications for education. Cambridge Journal of Education, 44(2), 163-177. https://doi.org/10.1080/0305764X.2013.860082

Adhe, K. R., Wiryanto, W., Suryanti, S., & Shofiyah, N. C. (2022). Analysis of Elementary School Selection Factors During Pandemic. Jurnal Obsesi: Jurnal Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini, 6(5), 4944-4953. https://doi.org/10.31004/obsesi.v6i5.2814

Allen, K., Kern, M. L., Vella-Brodrick, D., Hattie, J., & Waters, L. (2018). What schools need to know about fostering school belonging: A meta-analysis. Educational psychology review, 30, 1-34. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-016-9389-8

Ardiansyah, A., & Bagus Cahyanto. (2022). Generative Learning Strategies To Improve Students’ Cognitive Engagement In Online Classes At Islamic School: A Systematic Review. Jurnal Pendidikan Agama Islam, 20(1), 72–87. https://doi.org/10.14421/jpai.v20i1.6329

Ardiansyah, A., Al Anshori, T., Zakaria, Z., & Cahyanto, B. (2022). Principles of Online Learning Assessment: A Literature Review Between Western Education Theory and Islamic Education Theory. Jurnal Pendidikan Agama Islam, 19(1), 13–28. https://doi.org/10.14421/jpai.2022.191-02

Asroni, A. (2023). The Implementation of Islamic Religious Education with A Multicultural Perspective at SMA Piri 1 Yogyakarta. QALAMUNA: Jurnal Pendidikan, Sosial, dan Agama, 15(1), 255-264. https://doi.org/10.37680/qalamuna.v15i1.2234

Baderiah, B., & Munawir, A. (2024). Harmonizing Local Wisdom with Islamic Values: A Guide to Character Education Development. International Journal of Asian Education, 5(1), 63-75. https://doi.org/10.46966/ijae.v5i1.374

Brown, C. S. (2019). The importance, and the challenges, to ensuring an inclusive school climate. Educational Psychologist, 54(4), 322-330. https://doi.org/10.1080/00461520. 2019.1655646

Cahyanto, B., Indana, F. M., Fiveronica, I., Salamah, E. R., & Garbacz, N. A. (2024). Integration of Religious Character in School Culture: An Investigation of Character Development Practices in Islamic Elementary School. ELEMENTARY: Islamic Teacher Journal, 12(1), 49-74. https://doi.org/10.21043/elementary.v12i1.23309

Cahyanto, B. (2025). Deep Learning and Application in Elementary Schools: an Exploration of Learning Practices. GHANCARAN: Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa Dan Sastra Indonesia, 7(1), 219–235. https://doi.org/10.19105/ghancaran.v7i1.18892

Cahyanto, B., Badaruddin, S., Rini, T. A., Kamarzaman, M. H., & Syafuddin, A. (2024). Internalization of the Pancasila and Rahmatan Lil Alamin Student Profiles Dimensions in the Implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum in Madrasah Ibtidaiyah. Cendekia: Jurnal Kependidikan dan Kemasyarakatan, 22(2). https://doi.org/10.21154/cendekia.v22i2.9906

Cahyanto, B., Rini, T. A., Salamah, E. R., & Rohmad, M. A. (2024). Microlearning Instructional Design with Process Approach for Improving Early Reading Skills of Prospective Elementary School Teachers. Al Ibtida: Jurnal Pendidikan Guru MI, 11(2), 373. http://dx.doi.org/10.24235/al.ibtida.snj.v11i2.17073

Creswell, J. W. (2013). Qualitative Inquiry & Research Design: Choosing Among Five Approaches. In News.Ge (Third Edition). SAGE Publications, Inc.

Curren, R. (2017). Why character education?. Impact, 2017(24), 1-44. https://doi.org/10.1111/2048-416x.2017.12004.x

Davignon, P. (2014). Faith-based higher education and the religiosity of Christian college students (Doctoral dissertation, Baylor University).

Day, C., Gu, Q., & Sammons, P. (2016). The impact of leadership on student outcomes: How successful school leaders use transformational and instructional strategies to make a difference. Educational administration quarterly, 52(2), 221-258. https://doi.org/10.1177/ 0013161X15616863.

Day, C., Sammons, P., & Gorgen, K. (2020). Successful School Leadership. Education development trust.

Deal, T. E., & Peterson, K. D. (2016). Shaping school culture. John Wiley & Sons. https://doi.org/ 10.1002/9781119210214.fmatter

Denzin, N. K., & Lincoln, Y. S. (2000). Handbook of Qualitative Research: Second Edition. In P. Labella (Ed.), Sage Publications, Inc. (Second Edi).

Devi, M., & Suyatno, S. (2022). School Branding Strategy In Facing The Impact Of Zoning System: English. International Journal of Educational Management and Innovation, 3(3), 288-304. https://doi.org/10.12928/ijemi.v3i3.6089

Erickson, H. H. (2020). How do parents choose schools, and what schools do they choose? A literature review of private school choice programs in the United States. School choice: Separating fact from fiction, 5-20. https://doi.org/10.1080/15582159.2017.1395618

Fanning, J. (2020). Rural School Leaders' Perception of Digital Branding: A Case Study (Doctoral dissertation, Tennessee State University).

Fahriany, F., & Wahyunengsih, W. (2025). English Reading in Indonesian Islamic Boarding Schools: Needs and Materials. Nazhruna: Jurnal Pendidikan Islam, 8(1), 246–264. https://doi.org/10.31538/nzh.v8i1.64

Fathinnaufal, M., & Hidayati, D. (2020). The implementation of character education in elementary school. Journal of Educational Management and Leadership, 1(2), 31-38. https://doi.org/10.33369/jeml.1.2.31-38

Fernando, A., & Zumratun, E. (2025). Evaluasi Pelaksanaan Projek Penguatan Profil Pelajar Pancasila di Sekolah Dasar: Evaluation of the Implementation of the Project on Strengthening the Profile of Pancasila Students in Elementary Schools. Attadrib: Jurnal Pendidikan Guru Madrasah Ibtidaiyah, 8(1), 137–150. https://doi.org/10.54069/attadrib.v8i1.875

Fink, K., & Geller, K. (2016). Integrating Common Core and character education: Why it is essential and how it can be done. Journal of character education, 12(1), 55. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41297-020-00116-2

Fitranita, V., Sriwidharmanely, S., & Hatta, M. (2023, December). Religiousity, Cohesiveness, Honesty, Ethical Judgment, Accounting Students’ Intention to Report Friends’ Academic Fraud. Proceedings of the 1st Bengkulu International Conference on Economics, Management, Business and Accounting (BICEMBA 2023) (Vol. 268, p. 53). Springer Nature. https://doi.org/10.2991/978-94-6463-328-3_7

Garcia, J. V., & Bual, J. M. (2022). Awareness and practice of public school core values among junior high school students. Asian Journal of Education and Social Studies, 31(4), 1-12. http://dx.doi.org/10.9734/AJESS/2022/v31i430753

Gurley, D. K., Peters, G. B., Collins, L., & Fifolt, M. (2015). Mission, vision, values, and goals: An exploration of key organizational statements and daily practice in schools. Journal of Educational Change, 16, 217-242. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10833-014-9229-x

Jaelani, A., Patimah, Sanusi, U., & Arifuddin, A., (2019). The Implementation of Principal Managerial Competence for the Primary School Student Discipline. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 7(8), 1832 – 1838. http://dx.doi.org/10.13189/ujer.2019.070823

Halstead, M., & Taylor, M. J. (2005). Values in education and education in values. Routledge.

Harini, H., Wahyuningtyas, D. P., Sutrisno, S., Wanof, M. I., & Ausat, A. M. A. (2023). Marketing strategy for Early Childhood Education (ECE) schools in the digital age. Jurnal Obsesi: Jurnal Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini, 7(3), 2742-2758. https://doi.org/10.31004/ obsesi.v7i3.4454

Hermino, A., & Arifin, I. (2020). Contextual character education for students in the senior high school. European Journal of Educational Research, 9(3), 1009-1023. https://doi.org/10.12973/ eu-jer.9.3.1009

Hidayat, M., Rozak, R. W. A., Hakam, K. A., Kembara, M. D., & Parhan, M. (2022). Character education in Indonesia: How is it internalized and implemented in virtual learning. Cakrawala Pendidikan, 41(1), 186-198. http://dx.doi.org/10.21831/cp.v41i1. 45920

Hidayati, N. A., Waluyo, H. J., Winarni, R., & Suyitno. (2020). Exploring the Implementation of Local Wisdom-Based Character Education among Indonesian Higher Education Students. International Journal of Instruction, 13(2), 179-198. https://doi.org/10.29333/ iji.2020.13213a

Jabbar, H. (2016). Selling schools: Marketing and recruitment strategies in New Orleans. Peabody Journal of Education, 91(1), 4-23. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/0161956X.2016.1119554

Japar, M., & Sumantri, M. S. (2024). Analysis of Character Education Values: School-Based Character in Indonesia. Educational Administration: Theory and Practice, 30(1), 336-349. https://doi.org/10.52152/kuey.v30i1.665

Jonathan, S. A., Rantung, P. L. R., & Mandagi, D. W. (2023). Determining Factors for Parents to Choose a School: Empirical Analysis of Religious Based Private Schools. QALAMUNA: Jurnal Pendidikan, Sosial, Dan Agama, 15(1), 573–584. https://doi.org/10.37680/qalamuna.v15i1.4064

Josephson, M. (2013). Making ethical decisions: the six pillars character education. New York: Josephson Institute.

Jukic, D. (2023). Managing Brand Image in School. In 28th International Scientific Conference Strategic Management and Decision Support Systems in Strategic Management (pp. 525-532). http://dx.doi.org/10.46541/978-86-7233-416-6_67

Kalkan, U., Altınay Aksal, F., Altınay Gazi, Z., Atasoy, R., & Daglı, G. (2020). The relationship between school administrators’ leadership styles, school culture, and organizational image. Sage Open, 10(1), 2158244020902081. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/2158244020902081

Kelly, G., Mulgan, G., & Muers, S. (2002). Creating public value. London, Cabinet Office.

Khandi, B. (2023). Analysing five core values of character education in English textbooks for junior high school from cognitive, social, and emotional perspective (Doctoral dissertation, Universitas Pendidikan Ganesha).

Komariah, N., & Nihayah, I. (2023). Improving the personality character of students through learning Islamic religious education. At-Tadzkir: Islamic Education Journal, 2(1), 65-77. https://doi.org/10.59373/attadzkir.v2i1.15

Lincove, J. A., Cowen, J. M., & Imbrogno, J. P. (2018). What's in your portfolio? How parents rank traditional public, private, and charter schools in post-Katrina New Orleans’ citywide system of school choice. Education Finance and Policy, 13(2), 194-226. http://dx.doi.org/10.1162/EDFP_a_00222

Lindsey, R. B., Nuri-Robins, K., Terrell, R. D., & Lindsey, D. B. (2018). Cultural proficiency: A manual for school leaders. Corwin Press.

Markert, L. R. (2020). Mission, Vision and Core Values. In You Can't Make This Up!. Brill.

Masturin, M. (2022). Development of Islamic Religious Education Materials Based on Religious Moderation in Forming Student Character. Munaddhomah: Jurnal Manajemen Pendidikan Islam, 3(4), 346-355. https://doi.org/10.31538/munaddhomah.v3i4.310

Miles, M. B., & Huberman, A. M. (1994). Qualitative data analysis: An expanded sourcebook. Sage Publications, Inc.

Mtawa, N., Fongwa, S., & Wilson-Strydom, M. (2021). Enhancing graduate employability attributes and capabilities formation: a service-learning approach. Teaching in Higher Education, 26(5), 679-695. https://doi.org/10.1080/13562517.2019.1672150

Nurhayati, T., Masnun, M., Udin, T., & Arifuddin, A. (2019). Implementation of principal supervision as an effort to fulfill teacher administration at Islamic elementary school. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 7(8), 1826-1831. http://dx.doi.org/10.13189/ujer.2019.070822

Ovidi, M. (2021). Parents know better: Primary school choice and student achievement in London (919). Working Paper.

Parris, D. L., & Guzman, F. (2023). Evolving brand boundaries and expectations: looking back on brand equity, brand loyalty, and brand image research to move forward. Journal of Product & Brand Management, 32(2), 191-234. https://doi.org/10.1108/jpbm-06-2021-3528

Pavlidou, C. T., & Efstathiades, A. (2021). The effects of internal marketing strategies on the organizational culture of secondary public schools. Evaluation and Program Planning, 84, 101894. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2020.101894

Pendergast, D., Allen, J., McGregor, G., & Ronksley-Pavia, M. (2018). Engaging marginalized,“at-risk” middle-level students: A focus on the importance of a sense of belonging at school. Education Sciences, 8(3), 138. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ educsci8030138

Peterson, A. (2020). Character education, the individual and the political. Journal of Moral Education, 49(2), 143-157. https://doi.org/10.1080/03057240.2019.1653270

Pike, M. A., Hart, P., Paul, S. A. S., Lickona, T., & Clarke, P. (2021). Character development through the curriculum: teaching and assessing the understanding and practice of virtue. Journal of Curriculum Studies, 53(4), 449-466. https://doi.org/10.1080/00220272. 2020.1755996

Pradana, D. A., Mahfud, M., Hermawan, C., & Susanti, H. D. (2020). Nasionalism: Character education orientation in learning development. Budapest International Research and Critics Institute-Journal (BIRCI-Journal), 4026-4034. http://dx.doi.org/10.33258/birci.v3i4.1501

Puyo, J. G. B. (2021). A value and character educational model: Repercussions for students, teachers, and families. Journal of Culture and Values in Education, 4(1), 100-115. http://dx.doi.org/10.46303/jcve.2020.7

Qvortrup, A., & Qvortrup, L. (2018). Inclusion: Dimensions of inclusion in education. International journal of inclusive education, 22(7), 803-817. https://doi.org/10.1080/13603116.2017.1412506

Ramedlon, R., Sirajuddin, M., Adisel, A., Nurhidayat, N., & Hakim, M. A. R. (2023). Internalization of Religion-Based Character Values Through School Culture at Madrasah Aliyah Negeri of South Bengkulu. AL-ISHLAH: Jurnal Pendidikan, 15(4), 6182-6194. https://doi.org/10.35445/alishlah.v15i4.4461

Rini, T. A., Cahyanto, B., Cholifah, P. S., & Rosyanafi, R. J. (2021, September). Online Self and Peer Assessment Instrument Development as e-Material of Instructional Design Online Courses. In 7th International Conference on Education and Technology (ICET) (pp. 11-18). IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICET53279.2021.9575075

Rini, T. A., Akbar, S., Maningtyas, R. D. T., & Cahyanto, B. (2020). The Effectiveness of E-Module through Metacognitive Construction in Blended Learning System. Proceedings - 2020 6th International Conference on Education and Technology, ICET 2020, 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICET51153.2020.9276588

Rini, T. A., & Cahyanto, B. (2020, November). Supporting elementary students creative writing skill with assessment as learning. In 2nd Early Childhood and Primary Childhood Education (ECPE 2020) (pp. 51-57). Atlantis Press. https://doi.org/10.2991/assehr.k.201112.010

Rini, T. A., Cahyanto, B., & Sholihah, F. P. (2020, December). The Portraits of Digital Literacy Awareness Amid Covid-19 Pandemic. In 6th International Conference on Education and Technology (ICET 2020) (pp. 433-437). Atlantis Press. https://doi.org/10.2991/assehr.k. 201204.084

Romadlon, D. A. (2023, May). Building Trust and Reputation: Branding Strategies of Elite Muslim Schools in Indonesia. In International Conference on Intellectuals’ Global Responsibility (ICIGR 2022) (pp. 419-425). Atlantis Press. https://doi.org/10.2991/978-2-38476-052-7_46

Schmidt, H. J., & Redler, J. (2018). How diverse is corporate brand management research? Comparing schools of corporate brand management with approaches to corporate strategy. Journal of Product & Brand Management, 27(2), 185-202. https://doi.org/10.1108/JPBM-05-2017-1473

Shields, A. B., & Peruta, A. (2019). Social media and the university decision. Do prospective students really care?. Journal of marketing for higher education, 29(1), 67-83. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/08841241.2018.1557778

Singh, B. (2019). Character education in the 21st century. Journal of Social Studies (JSS), 15(1), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.21831/jss.v15i1.25226. 1-12

Sleeter, C. E., & Zavala, M. (2020). Transformative ethnic studies in schools: Curriculum, pedagogy, and research. Teachers College Press.

Solihin, I., Hasanah, A., & Fajrussalam, H. (2020). Core ethical values of character education based on Islamic values in Islamic boarding schools. International Journal on Advanced Science, Education, and Religion, 3(2), 21-33. https://doi.org/10.33648/ijoaser.v3i2.51

Subbarayalu, A. V. (2022). Branding higher education institutions: challenges and potential strategies. International Journal of Education Economics and Development, 13(1), 58-75. http://dx.doi.org/10.1504/IJEED.2022.10039130

Stake, R. E. (2010). Qualitative Research: Studying How Things Work. In The Guilford Press.

Syarnubi, S., Mansir, F., Purnomo, M. E., Harto, K., & Hawi, A. (2021). Implementing Character Education in Madrasah. Jurnal Pendidikan Islam, 7(1), 77-94. https://doi.org/10.15575/jpi.v7i1.8449

Tschannen-Moran, M. (2014). Trust matters: Leadership for successful schools. John Wiley & Sons.

Watts, P., Fullard, M., & Peterson, A. (2021). Understanding character education: Approaches, applications and issues. McGraw-Hill Education (UK).

Wheeler, A. (2017). Designing brand identity: an essential guide for the whole branding team. John Wiley & Sons.

Yuliarsi, E., Hardhienata, S., & Wulandari, D. (2023). Modeling and Optimizing Strengthening Parents' Interest in Sending Their Children to Private Schools. International Journal of Social Health, 2(5), 235-248. http://dx.doi.org/10.58860/ijsh.v2i5.49

Yin, R. K. (2011). Qualitative research from start to finish. New York: Guilford Press.

Yin, R. K. (2016). Qualitative Research from Start to Finish. In The Guilford Press (Second Edition).

Zagarella, J. J. (2020). Lay Faculty's Understanding and Operationalization of Augustinian Core Values in Secondary Education (Doctoral dissertation, Seton Hall University).

Downloads

Published

2025-09-01

How to Cite

Cahyanto, B., Wibowo, A. M., Arifuddin, A., Dewi, D. K., Salamah, E., & Don, A. G. (2025). Innovation of Brand Building and Character Development in Islamic School: A Transformation Based on School Core Values. Munaddhomah: Jurnal Manajemen Pendidikan Islam, 6(3), 465–481. https://doi.org/10.31538/munaddhomah.v6i3.1784

Similar Articles

<< < 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 > >> 

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.