Application of Cognitive Dissonance in Persuasive Communication of Leaders to Education Staff at SMK Negeri 1 Belida Darat

  • Nadilah Ilmu Komunikasi, Fakultas Ilmu Sosial dan Ilmu Politik, UIN Raden Fatah Palembang
  • Fera Indasari Ilmu Komunikasi, Fakultas Ilmu Sosial dan Ilmu Politik, UIN Raden Fatah Palembang
  • M. Miftah Farid Ilmu Komunikasi, Fakultas Ilmu Sosial dan Ilmu Politik, UIN Raden Fatah Palembang
Keywords: cognitive dissonance, persuasive communication, education personnel

Abstract

This study aims to determine the application of cognitive dissonance in persuasive communication of leaders in education staff at SMK Negeri 1 Belida Darat. This research is motivated by the difference between the personal beliefs of education personnel and the policies or directions implemented by school leaders, thus causing psychological discomfort that encourages adjustments in attitudes and behaviors. In these conditions, persuasive communication by leaders is an important factor in helping education personnel accept policies and adjust to organizational demands. This study uses a qualitative research method with a descriptive approach. Data collection techniques are carried out through observation, interviews, and documentation. The informants in this study consisted of school principals, teachers, and education staff at SMK Negeri 1 Belida Darat. Data is analyzed through the stages of data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawn. The results of the study show that the application of cognitive dissonance in persuasive communication of leaders can be seen through four indicators, namely the desire for consistency, psychological inconsistency, dissonance driving change, and efforts to achieve consistency. When there is a discrepancy between personal beliefs and school policies, education personnel experience psychological discomfort in the form of doubt, confusion, and decreased morale. However, through persuasive communication that is carried out openly, clearly, and gradually, education personnel are able to adjust and accept the policies implemented. Thus, persuasive communication by leaders plays an important role in reducing cognitive dissonance and encouraging changes in attitudes and consistency in the work of education personnel in the school environment.

References

Ade Saputra, K. A. (2024). Values, attitudes and job satisfaction in the behavior of educational organizations. Management, Accounting and Business, 2(3), 151–162.

Ahmad Dimyati. (2024). Public Relations Management and Reputation of Non-Profit Organizations (Wahyu Kurniawadi (ed.)). Knowledge Insights.

Andri Kurniawan. (2022). Education Management in the Context of Human Resources Improvement (M. M. S. Hery Nuraini (ed.)). Yayasan Wiyata Bestari Samasta.

Angga Pratama. (2022). Human Resource Management (Agung Tri Putranto (ed.)). CV. Widina Media Utama.

Asrul, M. F. (2025). Teachers' Resistance to Curriculum Change: "Phenomenological Study on Junior High School Teachers 21 Ambon, Maluku Province". Journal of Education & Teaching, 3(1), 174–190.

Aydin Farrelyno Ftaurrochman. (2025). An Exploration of Experience in Early Adult Women Who Smoke: A Review Based on Cognitive Dissonance Theory. Journal of Psychological Research, 12(01), 579–589.

Bambang, M., Felix, T., & Nugroho, A. C. (2022). Cognitive Dissonance of Political Elites and Public Officials in Facing the Phenomenon of Cooking Oil Scarcity. Journal of Political Communication and Media, 1(1), 1–23.

Bayu, K. (2024). Consumer Behavior (M. T. Parasetya (ed.)). PT Kimshafi Alung Cipta.

College, J. Meyer Martin Luther. (2021). Educational leadership and cognitive change: Atransdisciplinary.

Dr. Agus Salam, M. P. (2023). Qualitative Research Methodology (S. P. Nurjannah (ed.)). CV. Azka Pustaka.

Dr. Ahmad, S.H., M. . (2024). Textbook of Legal Research and Writing Methodology (Sepriano & Efitra (ed.)). PT. Sonpedia Publishing Indonesia.

Dr. Ali Nurdin, S.Ag., M. S. (2020). Interpersonal Communication Theory. DATE A.

Dr. Yasir, M. S. (2024). Understand Communication Theory, Perspectives, Traditions, and Contexts. CV Budi Utama Publishing Group.

Dwi Kharis Rifai. (2024). 10 Current Leadership Styles (Bayu Wijayama (ed.); 1st ed.). Cahaya Ghani Recovery.

Eddi Novra, C. O. C. (2024). Leadership Models and Styles (Razaki Persada (ed.)). CV. Gita Lantera.

Elisa, R. (2019). The Secret Of Ikigai (Jaka Mandiri (ed.)). Squirrel.

Esti Regina Boiliu, D. R. K. (2024). Overcoming Cognitive Dissonance in Christian Religious Education in the Era of Artificial Intelligence. Journal of Christian Education and Leadership, 5(2), 153–165.

Fatimah Hidayahni Amin, A. A. P. (2025). Ecology of Language, Culture and Communication in the Digital Era (Amirullah Abduh (ed.)). Eureka Media Script.

Fitriyani, S. (2024). Cognitive Dissonance of Hijab Women Towards Promiscuity in Tangerang City (Case Study of Female Visitors at Porta Kitchen & Bar Tangerang). Scientific Journal of Educational Vehicles, 10 (April), 986–995.

Haetami. (2023). Education Management in the Era of Technological Development (Rizki Putri (ed.)). CV. Jejak, a member of IKAPI.

Hendrawan. (2024). A Collection of Articles on the Phenomenon of Government Organization Behavior (Ummu Tasyiah Arsa (ed.)). PT. Indonesian Manners.

Husaini Usman. (2013). Theoretical Management, Practice, and Educational Research (Suryani (ed.); 4th ed.). PT. The Earth of Scripts.

Ibrahim, M. (2024). Persuasive Communication; Theoretical Approach and Implementation from Various Perspectives (Guepedia/Ag (ed.)). Guepedia.

Ilma Rizqina Wulandari, M. I. (2025). Development of Kuda Kencak Discipline Values to Reduce Cognitive Dissonance of MTs Nahdlatuth Thalabah Students. Scientific Journal of Basic Education, 10(03), 263–274.

Indah Pangesti, N. A. S. (2023). The effect of cognitive dissonance on plagiarism behavior in college students. Journal of Counseling and Psychology, 6(1), 141–151.

Indriani, S. M. (2024). The impact of curriculum policy changes on teachers. Journal of Educational Sciences, 6(1), 539–549.

Inke Nur Dewanti, I. (2021). Cognitive Dissonance in Indonesian Consumer Behavior Towards the Purchase of Products Without a Halal Logo. Journal of Pearl Lens Communication, 5(1), 99–109.


Ishak Bagea, A. (2025). Child-Friendly School Education Management (Syofrianisda (ed.)). CV. Azka Pustaka.

Izlan Sentryo, T. R. (2025). Innovation and Change in Education Management (Paput Tri Cahyono (ed.)). Independent Scholar Foundation.

Jacqueline Mayfield, M. M. (2018). Motivating Language Theory. Palgrave Macmillan.

Jatmika, B. J. (2024). The Role of Cognitive Ergonomics in Overcoming the Threat of Artificial Intelligence to Human Existence. Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities Indonesia, 3(2), 69–82.

Jawhari, A. J., & Muhamad Yusuf. (2024). Analysis of Communication Barriers in the Learning Process and Strategies to Overcome It. Journal of Islamic Education Management Volume, 5(1), 44–54.

Jumaria Sirait. (2021). Principal's Commitment in School Management (Moh. Nasrudin (ed.)). PT. Expanding Management.

Katherine is delighted. (2022). Human Resource Management and Organizational Behavior (Hidayat Miskadi (ed.)). Indonesian Center for Education and Research Development.

Kurnia, A. D., Aryanti, N. Y., & Zainal, A. G. (2024). Cognitive Dissonance in Single Mothers. Journal Communications, 6(1).

MakbulA. H Din. (2025). Communication Theory: Concepts, Assumptions and Implications (Mumaddila Rafa'al (ed.)). Eureka Media Script.

Mardawani, M. P. (2020). Practical Qualitative Research of Basic Theory and Data Analysis in a Qualitative Perspective. CV Budi Utama Publishing Group.

Maryam B. Gainau. (2016). Introduction to Research Methods (Chris Subagya (ed.); Electronic). PT Kanisus.

Mazzetti, Greta; Robledo, E. (2023). Work Engagement: A meta-analysis using the Job Demands-Resources Model. Journal Psychological Reports, 126(3), 1069–1107. https://doi.org/10.1177/00332941211051988

Meci Nilam Sari, S.Pd., M. A. . (2024). Qualitative Research Methods.

Sigh. (2022). Leadership Dissonance and Its Impact on Employee Work Discomfort in Public Sector Government Organizations. Journal of Public Administration, XVIII(1), 45–68.

Molina, J. E. S. (2024). Biases and Cognitive Dissonance in Non-Professional Education Teachers : A Study in a Faculty of Education. Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, 1(3), 301–312. https://doi.org/10.59324/ejahss.2024.1(3).26

Muhammad Hanif Fuadi, Z. (2020). Communication Theory (Rani Syofyan (ed.)). Digital Publishing Library.

Muslim, A. L. (2024). Educational Psychology (Octavian Serka Yudha Pratama (ed.)). The Mainstream Media.

Nasution, C. C. H., & Harahap, M. S. (2024). Persuasive Communication Strategy of the Principal in Preventing Brawls Between Al-Washliyah 4 Medan Teacher Training Secondary Students. Journal of Psychology, Communication and Health, 1(1), 19–24. https://doi.org/10.59548/ps.v1i1.116

Natthaya Wongsuwan, K. N. (2022). Mediating Effects of Self-Efficacy , Resilience and Job Satisfaction on the Relationship between Person – Organisation Fit and Employee Work Adjustment. Journal of Sustainability, 14(11787).

Nugroho, F. S. (2020). Cognitive Dissonance of People with HIV/AIDS (ODHIV) in Surabaya in a Condition of Resilience. Journal Commercium., 3(2), 1–5.

Nur'aini Hanum, A., Utami, D., & Anistya Suwarso, W. (2021). The Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic Information Flood: Cognitive Dissonance & Social Considerations. (case study of West Kalimantan Province) (N. Hanum & D. Utami (eds.)). Scopindo Media Aksara.

Prof. Dr. Alo Liliweri M.S. (2015). Interpersonal Communication. Kencana.

Prof. Dwi Suhartanto, P. . (2023). Business Research Methods: The Basics of Designing and Conducting Research in a Business Context (S. T. M. Rivan Nurmala Putri (ed.)). Uwais is inspired by Indonesia.

Putri, D., & Ajeng, D. (2021). iGeneration Communication Psychology Facing the Covid-19 Pandemic Reviewed from Cognitive Dissonance. 6(2), 250–264.

Putri, R. A. (2024). Communication of the Principal in Improving the Potential of Teacher Performance at Madrasah Aliyah Islamiyah Sunggal. Islamic Religious Management and Education, 2(4).

Rahmadania, S., Setiawan, J. H., & Putri, N. A. (2025). Generation Z's Conflict in Balancing Sustainable Fashion Lifestyle and FOMO Trends. Journal of Media Studies and Applications, Language, Communication, 6(2), 148–163.

Rengkaningtias, A. U. (2022). Effective school organizational communication management : Descriptive study at Madrasah Aliyah Negeri 1 Yogyakarta. Journal Collections, 52(2), 287–296.

Rubihalia, N. A., Ramadhan, M. N., & Febrina, D. (2026). The Application of Social Media Dialogue and Interaction in the Context of Interpersonal Communication between Teachers and Students at SMPN 13 Depok. Journal of Community Service and Engagement, 1(2), 227–247.

Saputra, M. R., & Hidayat, F. (2025). The Dynamics of Persuasive Communication in Mass Media: Techniques, Strategies, and Influences on Public Behavior. Journal of Islamic Communication and Broadcasting, 2(1), 62–73.

Sarmiati, D. (2023). The application of persuasive communication by leaders to improve student discipline and motivation in Lubuk Sikaping. Journal of Education, History, and Social Sciences, 7(1), 180–189.

Selfie Budi Helpiastuti. (2025). Fundamentals of Administrative Research (Techniques and Methodological Approaches) (M. P. Dr. Emma Rumahlewang (ed.)). The Mainstream Media.

Siti Aisyah, R. W. (2024). Management Basics. PT. Nas Media Indonesia.

Sri Hartono, R. A. P. (2024). Business Communication in the Digital Era. Thank you Logis Creative.

Sri Widodo. (2022). Leadership, Concepts, Theories and Phenomena (Moh. Nasrudin (ed.)). PT. Expanding Management.

Sukmawati Abdullah, S. (2025). Organizational Communication (E. Q. Musadar (ed.)). Eurika Media Script.

Sunarno Sastro Atmodjo. (2025). Persuasive Communication (S. S. Atmodjo (ed.)). Eurika Media Script.

Sunday Ade Sitorus. (2022). Introduction to Organizational Behavior (J. S. Abdul Krim (ed.)). Our Writing Foundation.

Supartini, Y. (2023). IMPLEMENTATION OF SCHOOL-BASED MANAGEMENT AT STATE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 5 BELIDA DARAT, MUARA ENIM REGENCY. Journal of Administrative Science and Policy Studies, 6 (September).

Tjandra, E. (2024). The Application of Cultural Control in Overcoming Cognitive Dissonance. Scientific Journal of Business Management and Innovation, SAM Ratulangi University (JMBI UNSRAT), 11(1), 1215–1235.

Umar, A. W. (2022). What is the mindset of elementary school teachers towards changes in learning models. Journal of Elementary Education, 05(02), 302–307.

Umar Hamndan Nasution, S.E., M. . (2024). Research Methodology. PT. Compatible with Media Technology.

Umarti, H. W. (2020). Qualitative Data Analysis of Concept Theory in Educational Research. Jaffray Theological College.

Wasngadiredja, P. F., & Wibowo, D. P. (2024). The Effectiveness of Persuasive Communication in Encouraging Behavioral Change in Pharmacy Students. Journal of Education Research, 5(1), 48–54. https://doi.org/10.37985/jer.v5i1.676

Wendy Sepmady Hutahaean. (2021a). Philosophy and Theory of Leadership (Luluk Lailatul Mabruroh (ed.)). Member of the Press Media.

Wendy Sepmady Hutahaean. (2021b). Leadership Theory (Yayuk Umaya (ed.)). Member of the Press Media.

West, Ricard & Tuner, L. H. (2014). Introduction to communication theory: Analysis and application (3rd ed.). Humanitarianism.

Wibisono, D. (2021). Introduction to Consumer Behavior (Zulfatun Ruscitsari (ed.)). Trail of Literature.

Winda Dwi Astuti Zebua, A. R. (2022). Persuasive Communication in the Covid 19 Campaign on Children. Journal of Communication, 14(1), 97–119.

Yasir. (2024). Understanding communication theory, point of view, tradition, and context. Deepublish digital.

Yati Nurhajati. (2025). Application of Compliance Theory and Anti-Fraud Strategy. Journal of Education and Teaching Review, 8(4), 9489–9495.

Yelli Masmida Putri. (2023). Teacher Performance Perspective from the Perspective of Academic Supervision and the Leadership Style of Madrasah Heads. Uwais is inspired by Indonesia.

Zamzami, M. Z. (2023). Transformational leadership style and persuasive communication in improving the school's quality culture. Scientific Journal of Islamic Studies, 8(1), 86–99.

Zebua, R., Lase, D., Harefa, P., & Waruwu, S. (2023). Analysis of individual behavior in improving employee performance in the General Section of the Nias Regency Regional Secretariat. Multidisciplinary Scientific Journal, 1(1), 51–64.
Zega, N. A. (2025). Strategic Leadership: Improving Teacher Performance Through Principal Leadership and Effective Communication. Jurnal.Balitbangda.Lampungprov.Go.Id, 13(2), 247–256.
Published
2026-04-30
How to Cite
Nadilah, Fera Indasari, & M. Miftah Farid. (2026). Application of Cognitive Dissonance in Persuasive Communication of Leaders to Education Staff at SMK Negeri 1 Belida Darat. International Journal of Health, Economics, and Social Sciences (IJHESS), 8(2), 1856~1863. https://doi.org/10.56338/ijhess.v8i2.11064
Section
Articles