The Effect of Job Satisfaction on Organizational Silence and Its Impact on Employee Performance at PT. PLN (Persero) in The Belawan Power Generation Sector

Abstract

This study examines the effect of job satisfaction on organizational silence and employee performance, with organizational silence as a mediating variable at PT PLN (Persero) Belawan Power Generation Sector. The research was motivated by the phenomenon of low employee participation in voicing opinions and the suboptimal performance achievements observed. A quantitative survey method was applied to 100 respondents, and the data were analyzed using path analysis. The results show that job satisfaction has a positive and significant effect on organizational silence (p = 0.017) and employee performance (p = 0.016). Organizational silence also significantly influences employee performance (p = 0.005) and acts as a full mediator in the relationship between job satisfaction and performance. This finding indicates that even with high job satisfaction, employee performance improvement cannot be maximized if a culture of silence persists. The novelty of this study lies in proving the full mediation mechanism within a state-owned energy company in Indonesia, a context less explored in previous research. Practically, the findings highlight the need for management to enhance job satisfaction through fair compensation systems, transparent promotion policies, and a supportive work environment while fostering open communication to reduce silence and sustain performance improvement.