Management Studies and Entrepreneurship Journal (MSEJ)
Vol. 7 No. 1 (2026): Management Studies and Entrepreneurship Journal (MSEJ)

Agile Leadership, Digital Transformation and Employee Performance: The Roles of Work Motivation and Job Satisfaction in Public Higher Education

Nurul Badriyah (Universitas Negeri Surabaya)
Dewie Tri Wijayati Wardoyo (Universitas Negeri Surabaya)
Andre Dwijanto Witjaksono (Universitas Negeri Surabaya)



Article Info

Publish Date
04 Aug 2026

Abstract

This study examines the relationships among agile leadership, digital transformation, work motivation, job satisfaction and employee performance among administrative and technical staff at Universitas Negeri Surabaya (UNESA). A quantitative cross-sectional design was employed, and data were collected from 248 respondents selected through stratified random sampling across different organizational units. The proposed model was tested using partial least squares structural equation modelling with SmartPLS 4. The findings show that agile leadership has positive and significant effects on digital transformation and work motivation. Digital transformation positively influences work motivation and job satisfaction, while work motivation positively affects job satisfaction and employee performance. Job satisfaction also has a positive effect on employee performance. However, agile leadership does not significantly affect job satisfaction or employee performance, and digital transformation does not significantly affect employee performance. These results indicate that leadership, technological change and employee-related factors have distinct roles in shaping organizational outcomes. In particular, work motivation and job satisfaction emerge as important determinants of employee performance, while agile leadership is more strongly associated with digital transformation and motivation. This study contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence from a legally autonomous public university undergoing institutional and digital transformation. The findings also offer practical implications for university leaders seeking to strengthen adaptive leadership, improve digital systems and enhance employee motivation, satisfaction and performance.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

msej

Publisher

Subject

Decision Sciences, Operations Research & Management

Description

Management Studies and Entrepreneurship Journal (MSEJ) is published by Yayasan Pendidikan Riset dan Pengembangan Intelektual (YRPI) as an information and communication media for practitioners, researchers and academics who are interested in the field of management (Finance, Human Resource, ...