The Role of Work Motivation in Mediating the Effect of Competence on Employee Performance at Health Equipment and Facilities Security Office Health Facilities

Abstract

Employee performance is an important factor in supporting the success of public agencies, particularly the Medan Health Equipment and Facility Safety Agency (BPAFK), which is directly responsible for public safety and health. Employee competence is one of the main determinants of performance, but its influence is not always direct and can be affected by work motivation. This study aims to analyze the influence of competence on employee performance with work motivation as a mediating variable at BPAFK Medan. This study uses a quantitative approach with a survey method. The research population consists of all 81 employees of BPAFK Medan, all of whom were included in the sample (saturated sample). Primary data were collected through questionnaires and analyzed using Partial Least Squares–Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with the help of SmartPLS. The results show that competency has a positive and significant effect on employee performance and work motivation. Work motivation is also proven to have a positive and significant effect on employee performance. In addition, work motivation acts as a significant mediating variable in the relationship between competency and employee performance. These findings indicate that employee competency will be more optimal in improving performance when supported by high work motivation. This study provides practical implications for the leadership of BPAFK Medan to improve employee performance through strengthening competencies accompanied by efforts to increase work motivation, such as continuous training, employee placement according to interests and abilities, and the creation of a supportive work environment