Annals of Human Resource Management Research
Vol. 6 No. 3 (2026): September

Workplace Bullying as a Barrier to Gen Z Job Performance at Manufacturing Industry in Batam

Dhita Hafizha Asri (Universitas Internasional Batam, Batam, Indonesia)
R. Nandini (Universitas Internasional Batam, Batam, Indonesia)
Ratih Anggraini (Universitas Internasional Batam, Batam, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
04 Sep 2026

Abstract

Purpose: This study examines the effect of ethical leadership on job performance among Generation Z employees in Batam’s manufacturing industry, while testing workplace bullying as a mediator and organizational concern as a moderator. Methodology: A quantitative survey design was employed. Data were collected through online questionnaires (Google Forms) administered to Generation Z employees in the manufacturing sector of Batam. Purposive sampling yielded 263 valid responses. Data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling-Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) with SmartPLS software. Results: Ethical leadership significantly and positively affected job performance and workplace bullying (reducing it). Workplace bullying does not exert a significant direct effect on job performance; however, it significantly mediates the relationship between ethical leadership and job performance. Organizational concern did not significantly moderate the relationship between ethical leadership and job performance. Conclusions: Ethical leadership enhances job performance and reduces workplace bullying among Generation Z employees. Although workplace bullying has no direct impact on job performance, it serves as a significant mediating pathway through which ethical leadership enhances employee performance. Organizational concern was not a significant moderator of this relationship. Limitations: The study is limited to Generation Z respondents in Batam’s manufacturing sector and relies on self-reported survey data, which may limit its external validity and generalizability. Contributions: The findings provide practical guidance for manufacturing firms to strengthen ethical leadership and reduce workplace bullying, thereby supporting improved performance among the Generation Z workforce.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ahrmr

Publisher

Subject

Decision Sciences, Operations Research & Management Economics, Econometrics & Finance Social Sciences

Description

Annals of Human Resource Management Research (AHRMR) is an international, peer-reviewed, and scholarly journal which publishes high-quality research to answer important and interesting questions, develop or test theory, replicate prior studies, explore interesting phenomena, review and synthesize ...