Transformational Leadership, Digital Competence, and Employee Performance: Examining the Mediating Role of Self-Efficacy and the Moderating Influence of Perceived Organizational Support
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18196/mb.v16i1.25429Keywords:
Transformational Leadership, Digital Competence, employee performance, Self-Efficacy, Perceived Organizational Support, Regional Apparatus Organization (OPD)Abstract
Research aims: To examine the influence of transformational leadership and digital competence on employee performance in Regional Apparatus Organizations (OPDs) in the Riau Islands Province, with self-efficacy as a mediating factor and organizational support as a moderating factor.
Design/Methodology/Approach: A quantitative approach using a survey method was employed. Data were collected from 185 employees in OPD using a structured questionnaire. The analysis was conducted using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with Smart PLS software, allowing for both direct and indirect effect evaluations.
Research findings: Transformational leadership and digital competence were found to significantly enhance employee performance, both directly and indirectly, with self-efficacy mediating their positive effects. Organizational support further strengthened these relationships as a moderating factor. Together, these variables accounted for 90.3% of the variance in performance, emphasizing the need for leadership that inspires and equips employees with digital skills to thrive in a technology-driven workplace.
Theoretical Contribution/Originality: The study integrates leadership, digital competence, and psychological constructs (self-efficacy and organizational support) in the context of public sector organizations. It highlights the interplay between these variables, offering a comprehensive framework for improving employee performance in a digital era.
Practitioners/Policy Implications: The study emphasizes the importance of developing transformational leadership through targeted training and prioritizing digital competence to address digital-era challenges. Organizations should strengthen support systems, such as continuous training and recognition programs, to boost employee confidence and engagement, fostering sustained performance, innovation, and resilience.
Research Limitations/Implications: This study focuses on Regional Apparatus Organizations in Riau Islands Province, limiting generalizability. Its cross-sectional design restricts causal inference. As such, future research should consider longitudinal and qualitative approaches for deeper insights into these relationships.
References
Amoadu, M., Agyare, D. F., Doe, P. F., & Abraham, S. A. (2025). Examining the impact of psychosocial safety climate on working conditions, well-being and safety of healthcare providers: a scoping review. BMC Health Services Research, 25(1), 90. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-025-12254-2
Asgari, A., Silong, A. D., Ahmad, A., & Samah, B. A. (2008). The relationship between transformational leadership behaviors, organizational justice, leader-member exchange, perceived organizational support, trust in management and organizational citizenship behaviors. European Journal of Scientific Research, 23(2), 227-242.
Askar, R. Y., Prahiawan, W., & Khaerunnisa, E. (2025). Pengaruh Gaya Kepemimpinan Transformasional dan Motivasi Ekstrinsik terhadap Kinerja Karyawan dengan Kepuasan Kerja Sebagai Variabel Intervening ada PT. Bangun Beton Indonesia. J-CEKI: Jurnal Cendekia Ilmiah, 4(2), 683-701.
Aulia, S. R., & Lin, W. S. (2024). Embracing the digital shift: Leveraging AI to foster employee well-being and engagement in remote workplace settings in the Asia Pacific region. Asia Pacific Management Review, 100339.
Aumann, A., Grassinger, R., & Weitzel, H. (2024). Exploring the Influence of Vicarious Experiences in Teaching with Digital Technology on Pre-Service Science Teachers’ Digitalization-Related Affective-Motivational Dispositions. Education Sciences, 15(1), 15. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15010015
Aziz, M. F. N., Mahmud, R., Hidayati, R., & Lataruva, E. (2024). The Role of Emotional Intelligence and Self-Efficacy in Enhancing Employee Performance: A Systematic Literature Review. Research Horizon, 4(6), 183-194.
Bäckelin, J. (2024, December). Enhancing professional development in the Swedish public sector: Strategies for effective integration of micro-credential frameworks for competence management. In International Symposium on Digital Transformation.
Bahyan, H., Ajmal, M. M., & Saber, H. (2024). Going resilient with digital transformation, human capabilities and innovation readiness: empirical evidence from the energy sector. Benchmarking: An International Journal. https://doi.org/10.1108/bij-10-2023-0699
Bakhtiari, M., Sharei, Z., & Rezania, H. (2025). Analysis of the role of motivations and organizational culture on the intention to share knowledge in the direction of Online knowledge sharing. Sciences and Techniques of Information Management.
Bandura, A. (1997). Self-Efficacy: The Exercise of Control. WH Freeman.
Bass, B. M., & Avolio, B. J. (Eds.). (1994). Improving organizational effectiveness through transformational leadership. Sage.
Bass, B. M., & Riggio, R. E. (2006). Transformational Leadership. Psychology Press. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781410617095
Bernsteiner, A., Haagen‐Schützenhöfer, C., & Schubatzky, T. (2025). Teacher Education in the Age of Digitality: Conclusions From a Design‐Based Research Project. European Journal of Education, 60(1), e12904. https://doi.org/10.1111/ejed.12904
Canoğulları, E., & Sarı, M. (2025). A Phenomenological Research on Examining Middle School Teachers' Digital Competency Self-Efficacy Perceptions. Journal of Learning and Teaching in Digital Age, 10(1), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.53850/joltida.1407289
Deliu, D., & Olariu, A. (2024). The Role of Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Analytics in Shaping the Future of Professions in Industry 6.0: Perspectives from an Emerging Market. Electronics, 13(24), 4983. https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13244983
Dinc, M. S., Zaim, H., Hassanin, M., & Alzoubi, Y. I. (2022). The effects of transformational leadership on perceived organizational support and organizational identity. Human Systems Management, 41(6), 699-716. https://doi.org/10.3233/HSM-211563
Eisenberger, R., Huntington, R., Hutchison, S., & Sowa, D. (1986). Perceived Organizational Support. Journal of Applied Psychology, 71(3), 500-507. https://doi.org/10.1037/0021-9010.71.3.500
Falma, F. O., & Putra, A. H. (2025). Correlation between academic self-efficacy and digital competence: an empirical study on first year students. Journal of Counseling, Education and Society, 6(1), 1-9.
Ferrari, A., & Punie, Y. (2013DIGCOMP: A framework for developing and understanding digital competence in Europe. G. European Commission Joint Research Centre.
Gao, Y., Wang, X., & Reynolds, B. L. (2025). The Mediating Roles of Resilience and Flow in Linking Basic Psychological Needs to Tertiary EFL Learners’ Engagement in the Informal Digital Learning of English: A Mixed-Methods Study. Behavioral Sciences, 15(1), 85. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15010085
García, C. S., Reigal, R. E., Hernández-Martos, J., Hernandez-Mendo, A., & Morales-Sánchez, V. (2025) Transformational Teacher Leadership and Physical Education Students' Intention to be Active: The Mediating Roles of Motor Self-Efficacy and Enjoyment. Perceptual and motor skills, 315125241308604.
Garini, R. A., & Muafi, M. (2023). The effect of digital competence, work life balance and work stress towards service performance with moderation of emotional intelligence on employees of PT. X. International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy (2687-2293), 5(2), 01-11. https://doi.org/10.36096/ijbes.v5i2.403
Golmohammadi, E. (2025). Identifying strategic capabilities in the formation of transient competitive advantage in beauty salons. Commercial Strategies.
Gustavsson, T., Ahmad, M. O., & Saeeda, H. (2025). Job Satisfaction at Risk: Measuring the Role of Process Debt in Agile Software Development. Journal of Systems and Software, 112350. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jss.2025.112350
Hair, J.F., Hult, G.T.M., Ringle, C.M., & Sarstedt, M. (2019). A Primer on Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Sage Publications. https://doi.org/10.3926/oss.37
Harmi, H., Syahsudarmi, S., & Munthe, R. A. (2025). Pengaruh kepemimpinan transformasional dan komunikasi kerja terhadap kinerja pegawai pada sekretariat dewan perwakilan rakyat provinsi riau melalui kepuasan kerja sebagai intervening. Amnesia (jurnal manajemen sumber daya manusia), 3(1), 51-61.
Hartati, Y., Susanti, N., & Astuty, K. (2025). The Effect Of Competency And Work Facilities On Employee Performance Of Regional Financial Agencies In The Government Of Seluma Regency. Jurnal Akuntansi, Manajemen dan Bisnis Digital, 4(1), 131-136.
Henseler, J., Ringle, C. M., & Sarstedt, M. (2016). Testing measurement invariance of composites using partial least squares. International marketing review, 33(3), 405-431. https://doi.org/10.1108/IMR-09-2014-0304
Imran, M. K., Sarwar, A., Fatima, T., & Shabeer, S. (2025). Am I depleting from work or life? A nexus among work-life balance, self-efficacy, emotional exhaustion and performance. Asia-Pacific Journal of Business Administration. https://doi.org/10.1108/APJBA-05-2024-0253
Jeong, J., & Jeong, I. (2024). Driving creativity in the AI-enhanced workplace: roles of self-efficacy and transformational leadership. Current Psychology, 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-024-07135-6
Karamshahi, B., Fazel, A., & Harandi, A. (2025). Modeling the direct and mediating effect of knowledge management processes on sustainable organizational performance in auditing companies. Audit Science, 24(97), 115-145.
Khan, M. I., Yasmeen, T., Khan, M., ul Hadi, N., Asif, M., Farooq, M., & Al-Ghamdi, S. G. (2024). Integrating industry 4.0 for enhanced sustainability: Pathways and prospects. Sustainable Production and Consumption. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spc.2024.12.012
Korakis, G., & Poulaki, I. (2025). A Systematic Literature Review on the Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence and Transformational Leadership—A Critical Approach. Businesses, 5(1), 4. https://doi.org/10.3390/businesses5010004
Korir, C. J. (2025). Job Satisfaction on Employee Performance at Uasin Gishu County Hospital, Kenya.
Kurniawan, A., Nurmaya, E., & Hidayat, A. C. (2025). Pengaruh Gaya Kepemimpinan Tranformasional, Perceived Organizational Support dan Person-Job Fit Terhadap Kinerja Pegawai ASN BKAD Kabupaten Kulon Progo. EKOMA: Jurnal Ekonomi, Manajemen, Akuntansi, 4(2), 4250-4265. https://doi.org/10.56799/ekoma.v4i2.7347
Lukito, D., Susanti, M., Susanto, Y., Judijanto, L., Ali, M., & Mahardhani, A. J. (2025). Determinants of sustainable employee performance: A study of family businesses in Indonesia. Asia Pacific Management Review, 100340. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmrv.2024.12.004
Maliyah, A. W. (2024). Pengaruh self efficacy dan organizational trust terhadap employee performance melalui employee engagement. Jurnal Ilmu Manajemen, 1006-1022.
Manalu, B. H., Maria, E., Ady, S. U., & Sayidah, N. (2025). Bank Himbara's Employee Organizational Performance Model Through Employee Competencies. Jurnal Ekuisci, 2(3), 146-157. https://doi.org/10.62885/ekuisci.v2i3.586
Marlapa, E., Pramudena, S. M., bin Rahmad, k., & Ahmad, N. H. (2024, November). Capacity building in job sustainability for permai members in Pulau Pinang, Malaysia. In ICCD (Vol. 6, No. 1, pp. 659-670). https://doi.org/10.33068/iccd.v6i1.798
Masod, M. Y. B., & Zakaria, S. F. (2024). Artificial Intelligence Adoption in the Manufacturing Sector: Challenges and Strategic Framework. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 8(10), 150-158. https://doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2024.81000013
Milojević, S., Aleksić, V. S., & Slavković, M. (2024). “Direct Me or Leave Me”: The Effect of Leadership Style on Stress and Self-Efficacy of Healthcare Professionals. Behavioral Sciences, 15(1), 25. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15010025
Motowidlo, S. J., & Van Scotter, J. R. (1994). Evidence that task performance should be distinguished from contextual performance. Journal of Applied psychology, 79(4), 475. https://doi.org/10.1037/0021-9010.79.4.475
Mujtahidin, M., Zulkifli, Z., & Hudaeri, H. (2025). Hubungan antara Penguasaan Literasi Digital dan Pemanfaatan AI dengan Kinerja Karyawan di Industri Ekonomi. PRIMARY: Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, 1(1), 6-10.
Musty, B. (2024, October). AI-Powered Digital Assistants: Revolutionizing Business Operations and the Future of Secretarial Work. In 2024 Asian Conference on Communication and Networks (ASIANComNet) (pp. 1-6). IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/ASIANComNet63184.2024.10811016
Nath, A., Onib, S. A. A. S., Barsa, N. J., & Anika, A. (2025). A Quantitative Evaluation of the Impact of Digital Transformation on Operational Efficiency in Service-Oriented Organizations. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202501.0184.v1
Nieto-Aleman, P. A., Berné-Martínez, J. M., & Arnal-Pastor, M. (2025). The work–life balance puzzle: a key to success in business and life. Management Decision. https://doi.org/10.1108/MD-04-2024-0934
Ogarte, N. A., Bercasio, R. C. T., Lourdes, A., Floranza, S. D. N., Gonzalez, F. V., Morales, M. R. R., & Pili, J. F. G. (2025). Coaching modalities: Its implications on the performance of employees in a BPO company.
Owotemu, A. E., Bernardi, R., & Ayo-Soyemi, O. T. (2024). Impact of Leadership Strategy & Typology on Public Sector Organisational Performance: A Resource Management Perspective. Voice of the Publisher, 10(4), 444-460. https://doi.org/10.4236/vp.2024.104035
Pacheco, P. O., & Coello-Montecel, D. (2023). Does psychological empowerment mediate the relationship between digital competencies and job performance?. Computers in Human Behavior, 140, 107575. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2022.107575
Petitta, L., & Ghezzi, V. (2025). Disentangling the Pros and Cons of Flexible Work Arrangements: Curvilinear Effects on Individual and Organizational Outcomes. Economies, 13(1), 20. https://doi.org/10.3390/economies13010020
Pratama, F., & Widodo, T. (2020). Self-Efficacy as a Mediator in Transformational Leadership. Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology, 9(2), 134- 145.
Purwanto, A. (2020). Effect of transformational leadership, perceived organizational support, job satisfaction toward life satisfaction: Evidences from Indonesian teachers. International Journal of Advanced Science and Technology, 29(03), 5495-5503.
Purwanto, A., et al. (2020). Digital Competence in the Public Sector. International Journal of Public Administration, 43(5), 490-501.
Purworini, D., Pamungkas, E. W., Naidoo, G. M., Rahmadiva, L. A., Chasana, R. R. B., Setyawan, S., ... & Haryanti, Y. (2024). Enhancing digital literacy in early childhood school teachers: Technology and analysis approaches based on social cognitive theory. Transformasi: Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat, 20(2), 401-412. https://doi.org/10.20414/transformasi.v20i2.10605
Rachmawati, D., Sahid, S., & Mahmud, M. I. (2024). Empowering Futures: Unveiling the Impact of Career Readiness on Job Seeker and Creator through Self-Efficacy. Journal on Efficiency and Responsibility in Education and Science, 17(4), 299-313. https://doi.org/10.7160/eriesj.2024.170403
Rangkuti, S., Harsasi, M., Asih, D., Patiro, S. P. S., & Yusriani, S (2024). Observing the Influence of Job Demands, Job Resources, and Family Demands on Work Engagement Moderated by Self-Efficacy.
Rawashdeh, A., Elayan, M., Shamout, M., & Saleh, M. (2020). Job satisfaction as a mediator between transformational leadership and employee performance: Evidence from a developing country. Management Science Letters, 10(16), 3855-3864. https://doi.org/10.5267/j.msl.2020.7.026
Rhoades, L., & Eisenberger, R. (2020). Perceived Organizational Support: A Review of the Literature. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 24(3), 299-316.
Romy, E., Biso, H., Hadikusumo, R. A., & Sriharyati, S. (2024). Turnover intention in millennial generation: the influence of transformational leadership, work-life balance, and perceived organizational support. Maker: Jurnal Manajemen, 10(2), 262-274.
Sari, P. D., & Suwandi, S. (2025). Efektivitas Program Pelatihan dan Pengembangan SDM di PT Unilever Indonesia dalam Mendukung Kinerja Organisasi. Socius: Jurnal Penelitian Ilmu-Ilmu Sosial, 2(6).
Sarna, S., Khalique, F., Luthra, A., & Bhardwaj, I. (2024). Navigating the digital era: assessing the role of digital transformational leadership in b-school teaching staff performance.
Sarstedt, M., Ringle, C. M., & Hair, J. F. (2021). Partial least squares structural equation modeling. In Handbook of market research (pp. 587-632). Cham: Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57413-4_15
Semenikhina, O. V. (2024). The problem of forming information hygiene skills in computer science lessons. Topical Paradigms of Training a Modern Teacher, 248–274. https://doi.org/10.30525/978-9934-26-504-4-12
Setyaningrum, R. P., Rulianti, E., & Susilo, P. (2025). Digitalisation Empowerment of Business to Digital Innovation in the Achievement of SDGs: A Survey on Creative Msme Actors in Indonesia. Journal of Lifestyle and SDGs Review, 5(1), e02770-e02770. https://doi.org/10.47172/2965-730X.SDGsReview.v5.n01.pe02770
Sun, X. C., Swazan, I. S., & Youn, S. Y. (2025, January). Enhancing Digital Adaptability Performance Among Fashion Retail Employees Facing Automation Retail Services. In International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings (Vol. 81, No. 1). Iowa State University Digital Press. https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.18637
Suoniemi, A. (2024). Professionals’ perceptions on management practices supporting employee well-being in a diverse working community.
Tharushika, K. R. D. S., Sellar, T., & Arulrajah, A. A. (2025). How Does Transformational Leadership Influence Employees’ Creativity? Examining the Mediating Role of Perceived Organizational Support. Sri Lankan Journal of Human Resource Management, 15(01).
Uripan, K. I., & Mahendra, A. M. (2025). The Influence of Transformational Leadership Style, Work Motivation, and Work Discipline on The Performance of Employees of RSUD Mojokerto District. International Journal of Humanity Advance, Business & Sciences (IJHABS), 2(3), 269-282. https://doi.org/10.59971/ijhabs.v2i3.389
Waluyo, B., & Mulya, N. P. (2024). Hubungan antara Literasi Digital dan Kinerja Pegawai dalam Era Transformasi Birokrasi di Kesbangpol Kabupaten Solok Selatan. Nagasena: Jurnal Ilmu Komunikasi Buddha, 1(2).
Wang, L., Qian, L., Chang, S. C., Li, Z., & Nachiangmai, S (2024) A study on the effect of transformational leadership on job performance: a case study of Nanning development zone.
Yunita, N. D., & Darmastuti, I. The Effect of Transformational Leadership on Employee Performance Through Self-Efficacy as a Mediating Variable. International Research Journal of Economics and Management Studies IRJEMS, 3(9).
Zhao, L., & Huang, H. (2025). The double-edged sword effects of leader perfectionism on employees' job performance: The moderating role of self-efficacy. Frontiers in Psychology, 16, 1412064. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1412064
Zu'bi, S. K., Ibrahimb, H., & Ismailc, E. (2024). A Review of Literature on Human Resource Management, Leadership Style, and Employee Performance. Journal of Change Management, 24(2).
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Nolla Puspita Dewi, Nurhatisyah Nurhatisyah, Naseha Elkarima, Avinash Pawar

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
License
You are free to:
- Share — copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format
- Adapt — remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially.
Under the following terms:
- Attribution — You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate the changes made. This should be done in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your usage.
- ShareAlike — When you remix, transform, or build upon the material, the contributions must be distributed under the same license as the original.
- No additional restrictions — You may not apply legal terms or technological measures that legally restrict others from doing anything the license permits.