The Influence of Professionalism and Competence on Employee Performance at the Food Security and Agriculture Service of Kuningan Regency

Abstract

This research is based on the emerging issue of suboptimal performance among the staff of the Food Security and Agriculture Office in Kuningan Regency. The problem identified above is suspected to be caused by the lack of optimal implementation of professionalism and employee competence. Therefore, this study aims to measure the extent to which professionalism and competence affect the performance of employees at the Food Security and Agriculture Office in Kuningan Regency. The research employs a quantitative approach, using an explanatory survey method. Data collection techniques include observation, questionnaires, and interviews, while data analysis is performed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), which is substantively aimed at testing the research hypothesis. SEM has advantages that are not possessed by other multivariate statistical techniques, particularly its ability to estimate relationships between variables under study. The findings indicate that professionalism has a significant and substantial impact on employee performance when considered in isolation. This implies that professionalism plays a crucial role in improving the performance of employees within the Food Security and Agriculture Office in Kuningan Regency. The dimension with the greatest influence is maintaining good relationships with clients (the public), while the dimension with the least influence is the ability to demonstrate oneself as a professional. The novel concept in this perspective includes work experience, work motivation, and work culture. On the other hand, employee competence has a relatively small and less significant effect on performance. This suggests that employee competence is considered less dominant and less decisive in improving the performance of employees at the Food Security and Agriculture Office in Kuningan Regency. The dimension with the greatest influence on employee performance is self-concept, while the dimension with the least influence is skill characteristics. The novel concept in this perspective is work compliance. When considered simultaneously, professionalism and employee competence have a very significant and substantial impact on the performance of employees at the Food Security and Agriculture Office in Kuningan Regency. This indicates that both professionalism and employee competence are highly dominant in influencing employee performance.