THE ROLE OF WORK MOTIVATION AS MEDIATING VARIABLE ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LEADERSHIP STYLES AND JOB SATISFACTION: EMPIRICAL INVESTIGATION AT REGIONAL DISTRICT OFFICE, BENGKULU PROVINCE

Abstract

Current problem that often take place in the public sector is on how to improve employee
performance. Employee performance will not be far from the three variables that examined in this
study such as leadership style, work motivation and job satisfaction. Research conducted at the
Regional Office Bengkulu Province. The purpose of this current research is to examine the effect
of leadership style on work motivation and job satisfaction. In addition, the research aims to know
the role of work motivation in mediating the relationship between leadership style and job
satisfaction. Mediated Regression Analysis (MRA) applied to answer the research problems. In
the first step data analysis, the effect of leadership style on work motivation was tested, followed
by testing of the effect of leadership style on job satisfaction at the next step. The effect of work
motivation on job satisfaction was also tested, followed by test the role of work motivation as the
mediating variable as well. Result concluded that each independent variable has significant effect
on dependent variable. Furthermore, result also proved that motivation served as a mediating role
in affecting the relationship between leadership style and job satisfaction. Based on research
results, efforts to increase job satisfaction through leadership style cannot ignore the motivational
aspect of work. The results are also implied that efforts to achieve employee satisfaction should
consider the elements that can improve employee motivation, to increase the performance.
Key Words: Work Motivation; Leadership Style; Job Satisfaction