Competence as a Key Driver of Administrative Performance in Universities

General Background: Employee performance in higher education institutions is a critical determinant of administrative effectiveness and institutional success. Specific Background: However, the complex interplay between work climate, employee competence, work experience, and performance remains underexplored, particularly among non-academic staff. Knowledge Gap: Existing literature rarely integrates these variables within a single analytical framework, especially in the Indonesian higher education context. Aims: This study aims to examine the causal relationships among work climate, employee competence, work experience, and employee performance among administrative staff at Universitas Pattimura Ambon (UNPATTI) using a mixed-methods approach. Results: Findings indicate that work experience significantly influences both competence (path coefficient = 0.704) and work climate (0.652), but has a negligible direct effect on performance (–0.015). Competence emerges as the strongest predictor of performance (0.819), while work climate exerts only a minor direct effect (0.026). Novelty: The integration of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with qualitative insights provides a comprehensive understanding of mediating effects, revealing competence as a pivotal mechanism linking experience and climate to performance. Implications: These results inform strategic human resource management practices in higher education, emphasizing targeted professional development, mentorship, and the cultivation of a supportive work climate to enhance staff performance and institutional sustainability. Highlights: Work climate and competence affect performance in higher education administration. Mixed-methods with SEM show competence mediates experience's impact on performance. Prioritize HR strategies: mentorship, training, and supportive work environment. Keyword: Human Resource Management, Employee Competence, Work Climate, Higher Education Administration, Structural Equation Modeling