The effect of transactional leadership on employee performance mediated by job satisfaction, job stress and trust

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the impact of transactional leadership on employee performance through the mediation of job satisfaction, job stress, and trust. This study employs explanatory research using a quantitative approach. The population in this study were employees of companies engaged in shipbuilding in Surabaya city, namely PT. Dok dan Perkapalan Surabaya (Persero). The study used saturated sampling. The study had 69 respondents. Data was gathered through surveys and documentation, and the instrument was tested using likert scales. The data were analyzed using the structural equation model partial least squares (SEM-PLS) modelling. The finding of this study indicated that Transactional Leadership can enhance employee performance. Furthermore, Transactional Leadership can boost job satisfaction and trust while reducing employee stress. Employee performance can be improved by addressing job satisfaction issues. Employee performance is positively correlated with job satisfaction. However, Job stress has no significant effect on employee performance. While trust can enhance employee performance. Job Satisfaction can mediate the effect of Transactional Leadership on Employee Performance, whereas Job Stress cannot. Trust has the ability to mediate the impact of Transactional Leadership on Employee Performance. The findings of this study advise PT. Dok dan Perkapalan Surabaya (Persero) to maintain and improve the leader's transactional leadership style in managing various resources in the company in order to foster a positive relationship between employees and the company, allowing employee performance to improve optimally.