The Influence of Work Motivation and Job Satisfaction on Employee Performance with Work Discipline as an Intervening Variable among Civil Servants at Ministry X

Abstract

This study aims to examine the influence of work motivation and job satisfaction on employee performance, with work discipline serving as an intervening variable among civil servants at Ministry X. Using a quantitative approach with an explanatory research design, data were collected through an online questionnaire distributed to 91 ASN employees from a technical unit under the Directorate General at Ministry X. The research instrument was based on validated indicators from previous literature and used a Likert scale ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling with the Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) method via SmartPLS 4.0 software. The analysis consisted of two stages: evaluating the measurement model (outer model) to assess convergent validity, discriminant validity, and reliability; and evaluating the structural model (inner model) through path coefficients, t-statistics, and p-values. The results indicate that work motivation and job satisfaction positively and significantly affect work discipline. Furthermore, both work motivation and work discipline significantly influence employee performance, while job satisfaction does not have a significant direct effect. However, job satisfaction indirectly influences employee performance through work discipline. These findings highlight the critical role of discipline as a mediating factor and reinforce the importance of enhancing employee motivation to improve overall performance within the civil service sector. Keywords: work motivation, job satisfaction, work discipline, employee performance.