School Leadership Transformation: The Role of Motivation in Linking Competence, Work Environment to Principal Performance

Safrizal; Afrah Junita; Rahmad Tantawi; Fairus; Ulya Nabilla; Nurviana; Riezky Purnama Sari

doi:10.29240/jsmp.v9i2.14327

Authors

Safrizal Universitas Samudra, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0009-0006-3890-3194
Afrah Junita Universitas Samudra, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0009-0001-8091-2338
Rahmad Tantawi Universitas Samudra, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0009-0002-3245-793X
Fairus Universitas Samudra, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4875-7489
Ulya Nabilla Universitas Samudra, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7111-8917
Nurviana Universitas Samudra, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8821-2080
Riezky Purnama Sari Universitas Samudra, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0009-0008-3691-0758

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29240/jsmp.v9i2.14327

Keywords:

Work Environment, Competence, Work Motivation, Path Analysis, Principal Performance

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the influence of the work environment and competence on work motivation, as well as their direct and indirect effects on the performance of high school principals in Langsa City. The main issue identified is the low motivation and performance of principals due to an unsupportive work environment and suboptimal competence. The research employs a quantitative approach using path analysis, based on survey data collected from 240 teachers and school supervisors. The results show that competence and work environment significantly affect work motivation, while motivation strongly influences principal performance. Competence has both direct and indirect effects on performance, whereas the effect of the work environment on performance is fully mediated by work motivation. These findings highlight the crucial role of motivation as a bridge between competence and work environment in improving principal performance, while also enriching educational leadership theory and school management policy development.

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