Work Motivation of Lecturers at Higher Education Institutions in Serang City: The Role of Job Satisfaction as an Intervening Variable

Abstract

This study examines the influence of compensation, work environment, and leadership on lecturers’ work motivation at higher education institutions in Kota Serang, with job satisfaction as an intervening variable. The research sample consisted of 136 lecturers selected purposively to ensure relevant representation of the lecturer population in the area. A quantitative method was employed, collecting data through questionnaires that had been tested for validity and reliability. Data analysis was conducted using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to test both direct and indirect relationships among the variables. The results show that the three independent variables—compensation, work environment, and leadership—have a positive and significant effect on lecturers’ job satisfaction. Furthermore, job satisfaction was proven to significantly mediate the influence of these variables on lecturers’ work motivation. These findings confirm that job satisfaction is a key factor linking compensation conditions, the quality of the work environment, and leadership style with the level of lecturers’ work motivation. The practical implication of this study is the importance for higher education institutions in Kota Serang to optimally manage these three aspects to enhance lecturers’ job satisfaction and motivation, which ultimately can improve performance and the quality of education. This study also provides a foundation for developing more effective human resource management strategies within the academic environment.