Motivation, Discipline, Stress, Satisfaction, and Performance In Port Services

Research Aim: This study examines the effects of work motivation, work discipline, and work stress on employee performance, with job satisfaction as an intervening variable. Design/Methods/Approach: A descriptive quantitative approach involved 80 employees. Questionnaire data, measured using a five-point Likert scale, were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling-Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) with SmartPLS 4.0. Research Finding: Work motivation, Discipline, and stress positively and significantly affect job satisfaction. Motivation and Discipline positively and significantly influence performance, while Stress has no significant effect. Job satisfaction positively and significantly affects performance but does not mediate the effects of motivation, Discipline, or Stress on performance. Theoretical Contribution/Originality: This study evaluates job satisfaction as a proposed mechanism in operational port work, distinguishing statistical relationships from evidence of mediation. Practitioner/Policy Implication: Management should strengthen motivation, implement Discipline consistently and fairly, improve reward and career systems, sustain job satisfaction, and maintain manageable work stress. These actions can support employee performance while addressing workplace conditions and employee needs. Research Limitation: Findings derive from one company and 80 respondents, limiting generalizability. Interpretation and application should therefore consider the organizational context, particularly the characteristics of operational port work and the conditions employees experience within the company.