Perceived Competency Certification Effectiveness and Employee Performance: The Mediating Role of Innovation Capability

Pungky Nanda Raras; Eka Travilta Oktaria; Iskandar A.A; Andala Rama Putra Barusman; Habiburahman

doi:10.61255/jeemba.v4i5.1687

Authors

Pungky Nanda Raras Universitas Bandar Lampung
Eka Travilta Oktaria Universitas Bandar Lampung
Iskandar A.A Universitas Bandar Lampung
Andala Rama Putra Barusman Universitas Bandar Lampung
Habiburahman Universitas Bandar Lampung

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61255/jeemba.v4i5.1687

Keywords:

Employee Performance, Hospitality Industry, Innovation Capability, Perceived Competency Certification Effectiveness, PLS-SEM

Abstract

Purpose – This study examines the association between Perceived Competency Certification Effectiveness (PCCE) and Employee Performance and tests whether employee-level Innovation Capability statistically mediates this association in the Indonesian hotel industry. The study distinguishes perceived certification effectiveness from certification status and objective competency levels.

Design/methodology/approach – A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted among 277 certified employees in 18 three-, four-, and five-star hotels in Lampung Province, Indonesia. Data were analyzed using PLS-SEM with SmartPLS 4. Measurement quality was assessed through reliability, convergent and discriminant validity, and collinearity. The structural model was assessed using path coefficients, R², f², Q², and bootstrapping with 5,000 resamples.

Findings/Results – PCCE was positively associated with Innovation Capability (β = 0.615, p < 0.001) and Employee Performance (β = 0.314, p < 0.001). Innovation Capability was positively associated with Employee Performance (β = 0.438, p < 0.001). The indirect association between PCCE and Employee Performance through Innovation Capability was statistically significant (β = 0.269, p < 0.001), consistent with partial statistical mediation.

Originality/Value – The study provides employee-level evidence of a statistical pathway linking perceived competency certification effectiveness, Innovation Capability, and Employee Performance among certified hotel employees. The findings provide contextual support for Human Capital Theory and a microfoundational interpretation of Dynamic Capability Theory without treating employee-level Innovation Capability as an organizational dynamic capability.

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