The Influence of Leadership on Employee Performance through Organizational Commitment and Work Motivation: Evidence from a Local Government Human Resource Agency in South Konawe Regency

Abstract

Abstract. This study aims to analyze the influence of leadership on employee performance through organizational commitment and work motivation as mediating variables at the Civil Service and Human Resources Development Agency (BKPSDM) of South Konawe Regency. The study used a quantitative approach with a survey method of 41 State Civil Apparatus (ASN). Data analysis was performed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) through SmartPLS.

The results showed that leadership had a positive and significant effect on work motivation (β=0.102; t=5.670; p=0.000), organizational commitment (β=0.088; t=7.206; p=0.000), and employee performance (β=0.077; t=8.743; p=0.000). Work motivation had a positive and significant effect on employee performance (β=0.625; t=4.631; p=0.000), while organizational commitment had a positive but insignificant effect on employee performance (β=0.162; t=0.858; p=0.391). The results of the mediation test indicated that work motivation significantly mediated the relationship between leadership and employee performance, while organizational commitment had a weaker mediating role. These findings suggest that improving employee performance at the South Konawe Regency Human Resources Development Agency (BKPSDM) is more effective through strengthening leadership, which can increase employee work motivation.