Linking communication to work performance: Perceived digital leadership as a mediator for university lecturers

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Ninik Setiyowati, Ahmad Zabidi Bin Abdul Razak, Kukuh Setyo Pambudi, Jati Fatmawiyati, Gebi Angelina Zahra, Yuliati Hotifah, Alfina Nur Azri

2026 Social Sciences and Humanities Open Vol. 13 Article Cited by 1 SDG 17SDG 4SDG 3SDG 16 Quartile

Abstract

Post-pandemic changes may alter lecturers' work performance; some may show optimal performance, while others may experience a decline. This study aims to explain the relationship between Perceived Leader Communication and lecturers' work performance, and tests Perceived Digital Leadership as a mediating variable. A sample of 351 lecturers from five universities with PTN-BH (Public University with Legal Entity) status was selected through incidental sampling. Using Covarian- Based Structural Equation Modeling (CB-SEM) with the SmartPLS application, the findings indicate that Perceived Leader Communication significantly influences Task Performance, whereas no significant direct effect is observed on Contextual Performance. However, Perceived Digital Leadership fully mediates the relationship between Perceived Leader Communication and Contextual Performance. Further investigation should prioritize elements of Perceived Digital Leadership—particularly the Innovative and Supportive dimensions—to enhance lecturers’ performance. © 2026 The Authors.

Affiliations

Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Negeri Malang, Malang, Indonesia; Department of Educational Management, Planning and Policy, Faculty of Education, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Department of Guidance and Counselling, Faculty of Education, Universitas Negeri Malang, Malang, Indonesia; Alumni Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Negeri Malang, Malang, Indonesia

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