Application of Local Wisdom in Ethical Leadership for Catholic Education Institution (A Hermeneutic Analysis on Manggaraian Local Wisdom in Education)

Abstract

Wisdom is an indigenous value that belongs to a local place, village or region and which is related to its ethical values. In the philosophical context, wisdom is inherent in every human being and also reflects in leadership abilities. Leaders are needed in every institution, education inclusive, and their position requires that they keep ethical values and apply wisdom in discharging their duties. Therefore, the aim of this article was to analyze the application of local wisdom in ethical leadership in Catholic Schools of Manggarai Flores. The research was conducted qualitatively through the application of phenomenology while the information gathered was analyzed by using hermeneutics model of Hans Georg Gadamer. Three experienced and long-serving principals of Catholic schools were interviewed and it was discovered that they all applied principles of ethical leadership in their schools. The result also showed that the key success of these principals was found in the application of Manggaraian local wisdom in their leadership style in conducting the affairs of the Catholic schools.