The role of Islamic workplace spirituality and grit in predicting teachers' career commitment: A structural equation modeling approach

Amid increasing scholarly attention to faith-based organizational values, this study examines how Islamic workplace spirituality and grit influence teachers' career commitment within private Islamic schools in Indonesia. Grounded in the constructs of istiqāmah (steadfastness), murāqabah (spiritual mindfulness), and taqarrub (closeness to God), the research introduces an integrative framework in which grit serves as a mediating psychological mechanism linking spiritual orientation to vocational dedication. Utilizing data from 429 teachers across elementary, middle, and high schools, this study employed a quantitative cross-sectional design and used a convenience sampling technique to recruit participants. The data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to evaluate both the measurement and structural models. Findings demonstrate that istiqāmah and murāqabah significantly and directly predict career commitment, whereas taqarrub exerts an indirect effect through grit. Grit itself emerges as a critical psychological construct that amplifies the influence of spiritual dimensions on professional perseverance. By bridging theological and psychological perspectives, this research offers a nuanced understanding of career motivation in religious educational settings. The results provide actionable insights for school leaders and policymakers seeking to cultivate spiritually grounded strategies that foster long-term professional commitment among educators.