THE IMPACT OF LEADERSHIP AND TRAINING ON EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE: A STUDY IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES TIMOR-LESTE

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the influence of leadership and training on employee performance, as well as the role of work motivation as a mediating variable. Through an empirical study conducted at the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries Timor-Leste, data were collected using survey methods and analyzed using SmartPLS 3.0. The results indicate that leadership has a positive and significant impact on employee performance, while training also demonstrates a significant positive influence on performance. However, leadership does not significantly affect work motivation, whereas training significantly enhances work motivation.

Furthermore, the analysis shows that work motivation does not significantly mediate the relationship between leadership and employee performance, nor between training and employee performance. These findings suggest that while work motivation is important, internal individual factors such as personal needs and psychological characteristics are more dominant in influencing motivation. This research highlights the importance of investing in training as a tool to improve employee performance and encourages effective leadership practices to create a positive work environment. The practical implications of these findings can provide guidance for decision-makers in the public sector in efforts to enhance organizational performance through human resource development.