Authors : Khrisna U. Abella; Alger P. Dura

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 12 - December

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/mr2umrpn

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/2uydd8wf

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25dec1143

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : This study aimed to determine the most suitable model for employee performance by analyzing the impact of self- esteem, work ethics, and perceived employment relationship quality among local government employees using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). A total of 400 employees from Local Government Units (LGUs) in Malaybalay and Valencia, Bukidnon, were selected through stratified random sampling. Findings reveal that LGU employees possess high levels of self-esteem, work ethics, and perceived employment relationship quality, along with very high work performance. Also, the study found that work ethicsis the strongest predictor of employee performance. Perceived employment relationship quality positively contributes to performance, but has a weaker influence than work ethics. A notable finding was the negative relationship between self-esteem and employee performance, suggesting that overconfidence or misalignment between self- perception and actual job performance may lead to reduced productivity. Model 3 is the best-fit model. It positions work ethics as the primary driver of employee performance, while self-esteem requires a balanced approach to prevent adverse effects on productivity. These results highlight the importance of reinforcing workplace discipline, ethical leadership, and adaptability training to enhance the effectiveness of government employees.

Keywords : Public Administration, Self-Esteem, Work Ethics, Employment Relationship Quality, Employee Performance, Local Government Units, Structural Equation Modeling, Philippines.

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