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This study aims to analyze the direct effect of the head of the work unit’s presence on organizational performance, employee motivation, and employee competence, as well as to test the mediating roles of employee motivation and competence in the relationship between the head’s presence and organizational performance. This research was prompted by a research gap or anomaly between the physical attendance rate of the leader and actual organizational performance achievements at Balai Bahasa Provinsi Jawa Tengah. This employed a quantitative approach using a census sampling technique on 71 civil servant/ASN and PPPK employees. Data were collected using structured questionnaires. Data analysis was conducted using Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM)untilizing SmartPLS version 4.1.1.8. software. The results of the study revealed that: (1) The presence of the Head of the Work Unit has a positive and significant direct effect on Organizational Performance (p-value = 0,000). (2) The presence of the Head of the Work Unit has a positive and significant effect on Employee Motivation (p-value = 0,000). (3) The presence of the Head of the Work Unit has a positive and significant effect on Empliyee Competence (p-value = 0,000). (4) Employee Motivation does not have a significant effect on Organizational Performance (p-value = 0,052), (5) Employee Competence does not have a significant effect on Organizational Performance (p-value = 0,445), (6) Employee Motivation is not proven to mediate the relationship between the Head’s Presence and Organizational Performance (p-value = 0,064), (7) Employee Competence is not proven to mediate the relationship between the Head’s Presence and Organizational Performance (p-value = 0,447). These findings conclude that the structure of organizational performance achievement at Balai Bahasa Provinsi Jawa Tengah is centered on direct leadership patterns and command from the head of the work unit, rather than through a step by step mediated path via individual motivation or competence.

Keywords: heads of work unit presence, employee motivation, employee competence, organizational performance, PLS-SEM.