KEPEMIMPINAN SPIRITUAL DI SEKTOR PUBLIK: STRATEGI MEMOTIVASI ASN UNTUK PELAYANAN PRIMA

Abstrak

This study aims to analyze the implementation of spiritual leadership (vision, hope/faith, and altruistic love) at the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) in Kendari City, and to explore its internal mechanism in fostering a sense of calling and membership among civil servants toward excellent service contextualized with local wisdom. A qualitative approach with a descriptive-explanatory case study design was applied. Data analysis adopted an interactive model consisting of data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing. Data trustworthiness was ensured using credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability criteria. The findings indicate that the leadership at Kemenag Kendari City successfully operationalized the three dimensions of spiritual leadership by redefining bureaucratic tasks as forms of transcendental devotion. This behavior fulfills the spiritual survival needs of the civil servants, which subsequently triggers affective commitment, reduces burnout, and stimulates Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB). This strategy becomes highly effective as it is harmoniously integrated with the indigenous wisdom of the Tolaki tribe, namely the Kalo Sara philosophy (Values of Justice/Mendoka, Peace/Mosehe, and Divinity/Pewuta), generating employee compliance rooted in cultural respect rather than structural fear. Conclusion/implications: Spiritual leadership can be effectively implemented within a rigid public sector framework by injecting transcendental meaning and assimilating local culture. The practical implication emphasizes the urgency of institutionalizing spiritual-cultural values within the bureaucratic code of conduct to foster a sustainable culture of excellent public service.

Kata kunci

• Excellent Service
• Intrinsic Motivation
• Public Sector
• kalo sara
• spiritual leadership