Linking Transformational Leadership to Employee Performance Through Work Engagement: Study at STIE Mulia Pratama Bekasi
Abstract
This study examines the structural relationships among transformational leadership, work engagement, and employee performance within a higher education institution. Drawing upon the Job Demands–Resources (JD-R) framework, the research investigates whether work engagement mediates the effect of transformational leadership on employee performance. A quantitative approach was employed using census sampling, involving 48 permanent employees. Data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares–Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to assess the measurement and structural models. The results indicate that transformational leadership has a strong and significant positive effect on work engagement. Work engagement, in turn, significantly influences employee performance. However, the direct effect of transformational leadership on employee performance is not statistically significant. Mediation analysis reveals that work engagement fully mediates the relationship between transformational leadership and employee performance. These findings suggest that leadership improves performance primarily by enhancing employees’ psychological engagement rather than through direct performance-driving mechanisms. The study contributes to leadership and organizational behavior literature by highlighting the central role of engagement as a transmission mechanism linking leadership practices to performance outcomes, particularly in the context of higher education institutions. Practically, the findings emphasize the importance of fostering employee engagement as a strategic pathway for improving organizational performance.
References
Aftab, J., Sarwar, H., Kiran, A., Abid, N., & Ahmad, S. B. (2022). Do transformational leadership and work engagement matter for job performance in luxury hotels? Exploring the role of leaders’ managerial skills. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Insights, 6(5), 1818–1839. https://doi.org/10.1108/JHTI-05-2022-0208
Anggraini, N., Saddewisasi, W., & Sugiarti, R. (2023). Pengaruh Gaya Kepemimpinan Transformasional, Motivasi Instrinsik Terhadap Kinerja Karyawan Dengan Kepuasan Kerja Sebagai Variabel Intervening Pada KAryawan Badan Layanan Umum Daerah Di RSUD RA Kartini Kabupaten Jepara. Jurnal Bina Manajemen, 12(1), 621–642.
Bakker, A. B., & Demerouti, E. (2016). Job Demands – Resources Theory : Taking Stock and Looking Forward. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 22(3), 273–285. https://doi.org/10.1037/ocp0000056
Bakker, A. B., & Demerouti, E. (2017). Job demands–resources theory: Taking stock and looking forward. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 22(3), 273–285. https://doi.org/10.1037/ocp0000056
Bakker, A. B., Demerouti, E., & Sanz-Vergel, A. (2023). Job Demands–Resources Theory: Ten Years Later. Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior, 10(Volume 10, 2023), 25–53. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-orgpsych-120920-053933
Bass, B. M. (1999). Two Decades of Research and Development in Transformational Leadership. European Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology, 8(1), 9–32. https://doi.org/10.1080/135943299398410
Bienkowska, A., & Tworek, K. (2020). Job Performance Model Based on Employees ’ Dynamic Capabilities ( EDC ). Sustainability, 12(March), 2250. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12062250
Buil, I., Martínez, E., & Matute, J. (2019). Transformational leadership and employee performance: The role of identification, engagement and proactive personality. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 77, 64–75. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhm.2018.06.014
Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2018). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches (4th ed). SAGE Publications.
Hafidz, G. P., & Noviyati, M. (2022). Analisis Motivasi Kerja, Kepemimpinan Transformasional Dan Budaya Organisasi Terhadap Kinerja Karyawan Dimediasi Kepuasan Kerja Pada Angkatan Kerja Generasi Z. Fair Value: Jurnal Ilmiah Akuntansi Dan Keuangan, 4(7), 2763–2773. https://doi.org/10.47007/jeko.v11i2.3503
Hair, J. F., Howard, M. C., & Nitzl, C. (2021). Review of Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) Using R: A Workbook. In Structural Equation Modeling: A Multidisciplinary Journal (Vol. 30, Issue 1). https://doi.org/10.1080/10705511.2022.2108813
Hair, J. F., Page, M., & Brunsveld, N. (2021). Essentials of Business Research Methods (14th ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780367330743
Hair, J. F., Risher, J. J., Sarstedt, M., & Ringle, C. M. (2019). When to use and how to report the results of PLS-SEM. European Business Review, 31(1), 2–24. https://doi.org/10.1108/EBR-11-2018-0203
Halik, J. B., Lintang, J., & Patandean, E. H. B. (2024). The role of employee productivity through digitalization in increasing the performance of culinary SMEs. Brazilian Journal of Development, 10(2). https://doi.org/10.34117/bjdv10n2-047
HALIK, J. B., PARAWANSA, D. A. S., SUDIRMAN, I., & Jusni, J. (2023). Implications of IT Awareness and Digital Marketing to Product Distribution on the Performance of Makassar SMEs. 유통과학연구 Journal of Distribution Science, 21(7), 105–116. https://doi.org/10.15722/jds.21.07.202307.105
Halik, J. B., Rantererung, C. L., Sutomo, D. A., Rasinan, D., Daud, M., & Todingbua, M. A. (2024). Era Disruptif (J. B. Halik (ed.); 1st ed.). CV. Adanu Abimata. https://books.google.co.id/books?hl=en&lr=&id=kKUDEQAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PA179&ots=GVM0GTeahE&sig=ixF8ruUsRR4KmAtdE_GYwrlvO4k&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false
Haryono, S. (2017). Metode SEM untuk penelitian manajemen dengan AMOS LISREL PLS. Luxima Metro Media, 450.
Henseler, J., Ringle, C. M., & Sarstedt, M. (2015). A new criterion for assessing discriminant validity in variance-based structural equation modeling. Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, 43(1), 115–135. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11747-014-0403-8
Heri Prabowo, Almansyah Rundu Wonua, & Andry Stepahnie Tititng. (2023). Pengaruh Gaya Kepemimpinan Transformasional dan Komitmen Organisasi terhadap Kinerja Karyawan Pada Perusahaan Daerah Air Minum (PDAM) Kabupaten Bombana. Transformasi: Journal of Economics and Business Management, 2(4), 27–36. https://doi.org/10.56444/transformasi.v2i4.1112
Jiatong, W., Wang, Z., Alam, M., Murad, M., Gul, F., & Gill, S. A. (2022). The Impact of Transformational Leadership on Affective Organizational Commitment and Job Performance: The Mediating Role of Employee Engagement. Frontiers in Psychology, Volume 13-2022. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.831060
Kehr, H. M., Graff, D., & Bakaç, C. (2023). Followers’ Motives as Moderators of the Effects of Transformational Leadership Behaviors on Follower Outcomes and Leaders’ Influence. Journal of Business and Psychology, 38(4), 865–886. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10869-022-09826-y
Khan, H., Rehmat, M., Butt, T. H., Farooqi, S., & Asim, J. (2020). Impact of transformational leadership on work performance, burnout and social loafing: a mediation model. Future Business Journal, 6(1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1186/s43093-020-00043-8
Krisnandi, H., & Nurjihan. (2023). Peningkatan Kinerja Karyawan Melalui Kepemimpinan, Pendisiplinan, Tekanan Kerja dan Pemotivasian. Oikonomia: Jurnal Manajemen, 19(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.47313/oikonomia.v19i1.2030
Lambe, K. H. P. (2024). Unlocking Gen-Z employee potential : the role of strategic leadership and organizational culture Desbloqueando o potencial dos funcionários da geração Z : o papel da liderança estratégica e da cultura organizacional Cómo liberar el potencial de los emplea. Brazilian Journal of Development, 10(11), 1–21. https://doi.org/10.34117/bjdv10n11-033
Madi Odeh, R. B. S., Obeidat, B. Y., Jaradat, M. O., Masa’deh, R., & Alshurideh, M. T. (2023). The transformational leadership role in achieving organizational resilience through adaptive cultures: the case of Dubai service sector. International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, 72(2), 440–468. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPPM-02-2021-0093
McAnally, K., & Hagger, M. S. (2024). Self-Determination Theory and Workplace Outcomes: A Conceptual Review and Future Research Directions. Behavioral Sciences (Basel, Switzerland), 14(6). https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14060428
Monje-Amor, A., Abeal Vázquez, J. P., & Faíña, J. A. (2020). Transformational leadership and work engagement: Exploring the mediating role of structural empowerment. European Management Journal, 38(1), 169–178. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.emj.2019.06.007
Rachman, A. N., Baharuddin, B., & Halik, J. B. (2024). Pengaruh Kompetensi Dan Kesesuaian Peran Terhadap Kinerja Awak Kapal MV.Mutawa.103 Di Abu Dhabi. EKOMA: Jurnal Ekonomi, Manajemen, Akuntansi, 4(1), 3100–3108. https://journal-nusantara.id/index.php/EKOMA/article/view/6435
Rumopa, M., Baharuddin, Halik, J. B., & Lambe, K. H. P. (2025). Improving Ship Crew Job Satisfaction : The Role of Work Environment and Career Development. Journal of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Business (RIGGS), 4(2), 1304–1315. https://doi.org/10.31004/riggs.v4i2.665
Santosa, P. I. (2018). Metode Penelitian Kuantitatif: Pengembangan Hipotesis dan Pengujiannya Menggunakan SmartPLS (Giovanny (ed.); 1st ed.). Penerbit ANDI.
Saprudin, S., Atqiyah, S. A., Kosim, M., Aulia, S. N., Zahra, F. D., & Haikal, M. F. (2025). Pengaruh Kepemimpinan Transformasional , Motivasi Kerja , dan Pelatihan SDM Terhadap Kinerja Karyawan. Jurnal Ilmiah Ekonomi, Akuntansi Dan Pajak (JIEAP), 2(3), 49–59. https://doi.org/10.61132/jieap.v2i3.1463
Schaufeli, W. B. (2017). Applying the Job Demands-Resources model: A ‘how to’ guide to measuring and tackling work engagement and burnout. Organizational Dynamics, 46(2), 120–132. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.orgdyn.2017.04.008
Schaufeli, W. B., Salanova, M., González-romá, V., & Bakker, A. B. (2002). The Measurement of Engagement and Burnout: A Two Sample Confirmatory Factor Analytic Approach. Journal of Happiness Studies, 3(1), 71–92. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1015630930326
Sugiyono. (2021). Metode Penelitian Pendidikan(Kuantitatif, Kualitatif, Kombinasi, R&D dan Penelitian Pendidikan). Cv. Alfabeta.
Supangkat, E., Irdawati, I., & Satrya Amal, A. G. (2026). Penguatan Keberlangsungan Organisasi Sosial: Peran Kepemimpinan Transformasional dalam Budaya Organisasi dan Lingkup Kerja. Accounting Profession Journal (Apaji), 8(1), 440. https://ojsapaji.org/index.php/apaji/article/view/440
Susanti, R., Lambe, K. H. P., & Gunadi, H. (2024). Pengaruh Motivasi, Disiplin dan Lingkungan Kerja terhadap Kinerja Pegawai pada Yayasan Kristen Wamena Kabupaten Jayawijaya. Journal of Marketing Management and Innovative Business Review, 2(2), 47–55. https://doi.org/10.63416/mrb.v2i2.301
Sypniewska, B., Baran, M., & Kłos, M. (2023). Work engagement and employee satisfaction in the practice of sustainable human resource management – based on the study of Polish employees. International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, 19(3), 1069–1100. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11365-023-00834-9
Tian, H., Iqbal, S., Akhtar, S., Qalati, S. A., Anwar, F., & Khan, M. A. S. (2020). The Impact of Transformational Leadership on Employee Retention: Mediation and Moderation Through Organizational Citizenship Behavior and Communication. Frontiers in Psychology, 11(March), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00314
Wulandari, Sabandar, S. Y., & Patiung, N. (2024). Pengaruh Motivasi Kerja , Lingkungan Kerja dan Disiplin Kerja Terhadap Kinerja Karyawan PT. Asri Tritunggal Property. Journal of Marketing Management and Innovative Business Review, 2(2), 83–90. https://doi.org/10.63416/mrb.v2i2.311
Yusuf, T., Baptista Halik, J., & Nurlia, N. (2019). Analisis Kualitas Kehidupan Kerja (Quality Of Work Life) Terhadap Kinerja (Performance) pegawai RSUD Dr. Kanujoso Djatiwibowo Balikpapan. Jurnal GeoEkonomi, 10(2), 199–218. https://doi.org/10.36277/geoekonomi.v10i2.96
Copyright (c) 2025 Nurfai Nurfai, Sri Waluya, Hadi Nurhadi
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:
- Copyright on any article is retained by the author(s).
- The author grants the journal, right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgment of the work’s authorship and initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal’s published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgment of its initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work.
- The article and any associated published material is distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY)
