Leadership and Strategic Partnerships in Educational Management: Empowering Communities and Businesses in Senior and Vocational High Schools

Abstract

Educational management increasingly requires school leadership capable of coordinating internal resources and mobilizing external stakeholders. This qualitative multiple-case study examines the implementation of leadership-based educational management and strategic partnerships through community and business engagement in senior and vocational high schools in Kolaka Regency, Indonesia. The study covered SMK Negeri 1 Kolaka, SMA Negeri 2 Kolaka, SMA Negeri 1 Wundulako, and SMK Negeri 7 Wundulako, with perspectives from the Southeast Sulawesi Provincial Education Office. Informants were purposively selected. Data were obtained through non-participant observation, in-depth interviews, and document analysis and interpreted using data reduction, display, conclusion drawing, and verification, supported by triangulation. Findings indicate that school leaders adopted collaborative, participatory, and adaptive approaches but configured partnerships differently by school type. Vocational schools emphasized industry-oriented curriculum alignment, workplace learning, guest instructors, competency certification, job placement services, graduate tracking, and school production units. General senior high schools emphasized school committees, parents, community leaders, and public-sector participation in school programs, character education, entrepreneurship, and life skills. Constraints included limited local industry absorption capacity, uneven participation, resource and competency gaps, and technological and regulatory changes. The study develops a context-sensitive interpretation of school leadership as a coordinating mechanism connecting educational management with community and business ecosystems. Policy and managerial implications include institutionalizing stakeholder engagement, strengthening staff capabilities, and sustaining partnerships beyond individual initiatives.