WORKPLACE SPIRITUALITY AS A PREDICTOR OF INSTRUCTIONAL COMPETENCY AMONG ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY IN SABAH PRIMARY SCHOOLS

This study examines the relationship between workplace spirituality and instructional competence among Senior Assistant Teachers (GPK) in primary schools in Malaysia, with a particular focus on the public education context in the state of Sabah. Employing a quantitative research design, the study adopted a descriptive correlational survey approach. A total of 269 Senior Assistant Teachers from primary schools in Sabah were selected through stratified random sampling. Two primary instruments were utilized: the Workplace Spirituality Scale by Ashmos and Duchon (2000) and the Instructional Competency Scale, developed based on the Instructional Competency domain within the School Leadership Competency Framework 2.0 (KOMPAS 2.0) by the Aminuddin Baki Institute (IAB). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis. The findings revealed that the level of workplace spirituality was high (Mean = 3.74, SD = 0.62), while the level of instructional competence was moderately high (Mean = 3.60, SD = 0.71). A significant positive correlation of moderate strength was found between workplace spirituality and instructional competence (r = 0.46, p < .01). These findings highlight the importance of integrating spirituality elements into educational leadership development programs, particularly in reinforcing core values, intrinsic motivation, and work ethics among Senior Assistant Teachers. The implications of this study contribute to the development of a holistic and values-based approach to professional development within the national education system.