The Role of Work Motivation in Mediating the Influence of Ability on Employee Performance at the Humbang Hasundutan District Attorney's Office

Authors

  • Lengmay Simamora Universitas Pembangunan Panca Budi
  • Sri Rahayu Universitas Pembangunan Panca Budi
  • Elfitra Desy Surya Universitas Pembangunan Panca Budi

Keywords:

Ability, Work Motivation, Employee Performance

Abstract

Employee performance is a strategic factor in determining the effectiveness and quality of service in public sector organizations, including the Humbang Hasundutan District Attorney's Office. Optimal performance is not only determined by individual abilities, but also by work motivation that encourages the maximum utilization of those abilities. This study aims to analyze the influence of ability on employee performance with work motivation as a mediating variable. This study uses a quantitative approach with a survey method. The research population consisted of all 77 civil servants at the Humbang Hasundutan District Attorney's Office, all of whom were included in the sample. The data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares–Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) through the SmartPLS application. The results showed that ability had a positive and significant effect on employee performance and work motivation. In addition, work motivation has a positive and significant effect on employee performance and is able to mediate the effect of ability on employee performance. These findings indicate that employee ability will have a greater impact on performance if supported by strong work motivation. Therefore, the Humbang Hasundutan District Attorney's Office needs to strengthen employee competency development while increasing work motivation through sustainable human resource development policies to encourage improved employee performance.

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Published

2025-10-27

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