The Meaning of Women's Leadership in Collectivistic Culture at Islamic Higher Education Institutions: A Phenomenological Study

Abstract

The representation of women in academic leadership positions in Islamic universities is still limited despite its strategic role. This study explores the meaning of women's leadership in the context of Islamic collectivist culture and the mechanisms of social legitimacy construction that they construct. This study uses a qualitative method with an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach. . Three informants were selected based on the criteria of more than or equal to 1 year of office experience; Data were collected through in-depth interviews (60–90 minutes), field observations, and activity documentation. The analysis was carried out using the IPA step and assisted by NVivo 15 for the visualization of the theme. Data validity is strengthened through member checking, peer debriefing, and data triangulation. The results of the analysis identified four main themes: (1) leadership as a moral-spiritual mandate; (2) leadership as social negotiation in a collectivist culture; (3) leadership as a space for self-actualization (intellectual, social, spiritual); and (4) the construction of social legitimacy formed through the integration of three pillars: professional competence, moral integrity, and relational wisdom. The legitimacy of women leaders in Islamic higher education is multidimensional and built gradually formal credentials open early access, moral exemplars strengthen social acceptance, and relational wisdom nurtures long-term legitimacy. Universities need to develop career development policies that combine improving academic competence and relational/spiritual capacity and creating an organizational culture that values exemplarity.