Success Factors to Optimize the Job Satisfaction and Achieve Better Performance of Lecturers in Higher Education

Abstract

Objective - This study aims to recommend success factors that can optimize job satisfaction and lecturer performance to improve the quality of educational services. Methodology/Technique - This research uses a descriptive method and quantitative analysis. The research was conducted on 311 lecturers at the Universitas Sumatera Utara. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires. The model was evaluated using path analysis and the Sobel test to evaluate the significance of the intervening variables. Finding - The results showed that the quality of organizational relationships significantly affected lecturers' job satisfaction. It has proven the importance of good organizational relations on lecturers to achieve job satisfaction. The level of work stress has no significant effect on job satisfaction and lecturer performance. It shows that work stress experienced by lecturers has not been able to affect job satisfaction and lecturer performance significantly. Novelty - This study also proves that lecturer job satisfaction has a positive, significant, and dominant effect on lecturer performance in higher education. The more satisfied lecturers are with their work, the more enthusiastic they will perform better. Thus, it is essential to manage lecturer satisfaction while managing work stress and organizational relationships. This study suggests that universities be careful in building good relationships with their lecturers. Happy lecturers will achieve higher levels of performance and create higher competitiveness. Type of Paper - Empirical Keywords: Lecturers; Job Stress; Job Satisfaction; Performance; Quality of Organizational Relationships JEL Classification: J28, J29