The Effect of Career Development on Civil Servant Performance Mediated by Competence: A Study at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Rokan Hilir Regency

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the effect of career development on the performance of Civil Servants (ASN) at the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Rokan Hilir Regency, with competence positioned as a mediating variable. The research adopts a quantitative approach using an explanatory design. Data were collected from 72 ASN respondents through structured questionnaires measured on a five-point Likert scale. The analysis was conducted using Structural Equation Modeling based on Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) with SmartPLS 4.1.0.9 to examine both direct and indirect relationships among variables. The findings indicate that career development has a positive and significant effect on ASN performance. Competence also demonstrates a positive and significant influence on performance. However, the relationship between career development and competence is not statistically significant. Consequently, competence does not function as a significant mediating variable in the relationship between career development and performance. These results suggest that while career development initiatives contribute directly to improving ASN performance, they have not yet effectively strengthened employee competence. The study recommends enhancing the relevance, transparency, and effectiveness of career development systems, alongside strengthening competency development programs to achieve sustainable improvements in civil servant performance within the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Rokan Hilir Regency.