Micro-Level Leadership: The Role and Challenges of Room Leaders in Student Development at Islamic Higher Education Institution

Imam Rohhani; Al-Dzikri Bangun Satrio Sasono

doi:10.54214/alfawaid.Vol16.Iss2.946

DOI: https://doi.org/10.54214/alfawaid.Vol16.Iss2.946

Imam Rohhani

Al-Dzikri Bangun Satrio Sasono

Keywords: Room Leader, Micro-Level Leadership, Student Development, Dormitory Leadership, Leadership Challenges

This study examines the role and challenges of room leaders as micro-level leaders in student development within the dormitory of STAI Ali bin Abi Thalib Surabaya. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews, observations, and document analysis, and analyzed using the Miles and Huberman interactive model. The study involved 18 informants consisting of four room leaders, eight room residents, three dormitory administrators, two residential mentors, and one dormitory supervisor. The findings show that room leaders play a strategic role as micro-level leaders who supervise students’ daily activities, coordinate room life, serve as a communication bridge between students and dormitory management, enforce dormitory regulations, and influence students through personal example. However, the implementation of these roles is constrained by three main categories of challenges: limited leadership and communication competencies, social interaction dynamics among room residents, and insufficient structural support in the form of mentoring, coordination, monitoring, and appreciation. The novelty of this study lies in its focus on room leaders as micro-level leaders who operate within the closest sphere of interaction in a dormitory-based student development system, an aspect that remains underexplored in studies of higher education dormitory management. The study suggests strengthening room leaders through structured leadership training, improved communication and social interaction, regular monitoring and evaluation, and systematic institutional support and appreciation.

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Published: 2026-09-30

Issue: Vol. 16 No. 2 (2026): September

Section: Artikel

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Vol. 16 No. 2 (2026): September

Micro-Level Leadership: The Role and Challenges of Room Leaders in Student Development at Islamic Higher Education Institution

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