The Influence of Transformational Leadership and Intrinsic Motivation on Employee Job Satisfaction and Performance at the Archives and Library Agency of Kutai Kartanegara Regency

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of transformational leadership and intrinsic motivation on employee performance at the Archives and Library Agency of Kutai Kartanegara Regency, with job satisfaction as a mediating variable. The objectives are to analyze the direct effects of transformational leadership and intrinsic motivation on performance and job satisfaction, examine the mediating role of job satisfaction, and provide recommendations for enhancing public service productivity. A quantitative approach was adopted, employing a cross-sectional survey design. Data were collected from 150 employees using a structured questionnaire adapted from validated scales for transformational leadership, intrinsic motivation, job satisfaction, and performance. Structural Equation Modeling Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) was utilized to test the relationships. Results reveal that transformational leadership (β = 0.312, p = 0.000) and intrinsic motivation (β = 0.278, p = 0.000) significantly and positively affect performance, while also positively influencing job satisfaction (transformational leadership: β = 0.345, p = 0.000; intrinsic motivation: β = 0.289, p = 0.000). Job satisfaction significantly enhances performance (β = 0.367, p = 0.000) and partially mediates the relationships between transformational leadership and performance (β = 0.178, p = 0.002) and intrinsic motivation and performance (β = 0.162, p = 0.005). The model accounts for 64.2% of the variance in performance and 59.8% in job satisfaction, indicating robust explanatory power. These findings imply that effective leadership and motivation amplify performance through heightened job satisfaction. Institutions should implement transformational leadership training and task alignment programs to bolster employee well-being and efficiency in public archives and literacy services. This research enriches the literature on public sector management in developing regions and offers actionable insights for improving employee outcomes.