Strategi Kepala Tata Usaha Dalam Meningkatkan Kinerja Tenaga Kependidikan Di SMP Negeri 8 Palopo

Abstract

The performance of education staff is a key determinant of a school's operational success, making the role of the head of administration (Kepala Tata Usaha) in directing and coaching administrative personnel highly strategic. This study aims to describe the implementation of strategies used by the head of administration to improve the performance of education staff at SMP Negeri 8 Palopo, as well as to identify the supporting and inhibiting factors. The study employed a descriptive qualitative approach. Primary data were obtained through in-depth interviews with the head of administration and one member of the education staff, complemented by secondary documentation data. Data validity was examined through technique, source, and time triangulation, while data analysis followed the interactive model of Miles, Huberman, and Saldana, comprising data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings indicate that the main strategies applied were role modeling and periodic monthly evaluation meetings, which effectively improved staff responsibility, punctuality, and service quality. The main supporting factors were personal awareness, strong work commitment, and solid teamwork, while the inhibiting factors included limited internet infrastructure, limited training budgets, and a mismatch between some staff members' educational background and their job field. The study recommends that the head of administration maintain the practice of role modeling and routine evaluation, and develop an internal knowledge-sharing forum as a solution to formal training budget constraints.