LEADERSHIP'S INFLUENCE ON EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE: MEDIATION IN TRAVEL AGENCIES

This study investigates the influence of organizational culture, leadership style, and communication on employee performance within the tourism sector in Karanganyar Regency, Indonesia. Employing a quantitative approach, data were collected from employees of travel companies through questionnaires and interviews, and analyzed using Smart PLS 3. The findings reveal that innovative leadership significantly impacts employee performance, organizational culture, and communication. Organizational culture also plays a mediating role in the relationship between leadership and performance. However, communication does not exhibit a significant direct effect on performance or act as a mediator. These results underscore the pivotal role of leadership in fostering organizational culture and enhancing performance, while suggesting that the effectiveness of communication may vary depending on contextual factors. The study contributes to human resource management by highlighting the importance of leadership and organizational culture in improving employee performance, particularly in the tourism industry.