Management of Strengthening Character Education (Moral Principles, Integrity, and Positive Attitudes) of Vocational School Students from a Cultural Psychology Perspective: A Multi-Site Study

Using a multi-site design, this qualitative study investigates how administrators manage character education at SMK Negeri 1 Tambelangan and SMK Negeri 1 Sampang through planning, organizing, implementing, supervising, and evaluating programs integrated into the Pancasila Student Profile. The transfer of moral principles, integrity, and positive attitudes is considered essential in the era of globalization. From a cultural psychology perspective, character education management is shaped by local cultural values, collective norms, and Indonesia’s socio-cultural identity, with school leaders embedding cultural elements and contextualized moral values into learning to ensure internalization among students. The findings show that both vocational schools have developed structured character programs supported by strong administration and a positive school climate, aligned with the Merdeka Curriculum and involving parents, teachers, and students. Evaluation results indicate that students demonstrate strong character and readiness to compete globally. The study offers a conceptual model for strengthening character education and enhancing Indonesia’s vocational education system based on cultural foundations.