Determinants of Work Ethic and Performance of Primary School Educational Staff in SAMARINDA

Abstract

Purpose:

This study aims to analyze the determinants of work ethic and performance among educational personnel at Public and Private Elementary Schools in Samarinda City. Specifically, this research examines the effect of religiosity and work environment on work ethic and performance, as well as analyzes the role of work ethic as a mediating variable in these relationships. 

Design/methodology/approach:

A quantitative approach was employed using a survey method. Sampling was conducted using proportional random sampling and purposive sampling techniques, resulting in 134 respondents from managerial-level educational personnel (principals, vice principals, heads of administration, and treasurers) across 67 elementary schools. Data were collected through Likert-scale questionnaires and analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) via SmartPLS software. 

Findings:

The analysis reveals that both religiosity and work environment have a positive and significant effect on the work ethic and performance of educational personnel. However, the findings also demonstrate that work ethic does not significantly affect performance. Furthermore, work ethic is not proven to act as a mediating variable in the relationship between religiosity and performance, nor between work environment and performance.

Practical implications:

School management needs to focus directly on strengthening the internalization of religious values and improving the quality of the work environment, both physically and psychosocially, to enhance the performance of educational personnel. Since work ethic does not automatically translate into performance, management is advised not only to provide work ethic training but also to improve structural systems, implement transformational leadership, and establish a value-based reward system so that individual dedication can be actualized into measurable performance. 

Originality/value:

This research provides new insights within the context of basic education that a high work ethic does not automatically serve as a bridge (mediator) for performance improvement if it is not supported by bureaucratic system flexibility and aligned structural support. This study highlights that the influence of religiosity and work environment facilities operates directly on the actual work outcomes of educational personnel in Samarinda City.

Paper type: empirical