The Contribution of Competence and Career Development to Improving Employee Performance at The West Java Provincial Water Resources Service

Abstract

This research aims to examine the contribution of competency and career development to improving employee performance at Dinas Sumber Daya Air Provinsi Jawa Barat (West Java Provincial Water Resources Office). The background of this study is based on employee performance data for the period 2021–2024, which shows significant fluctuations in the distribution of performance ratings. The decrease in the number of employees with Very Good ratings in 2022 and 2023 indicates the need to evaluate the factors influencing performance, including competency and career development. This study uses a descriptive quantitative approach with a survey method. A total of 73 respondents, employees of the Water Resources Office, served as the sample. The data were collected through a questionnaire that used a 4-point rating scale, and the responses were analyzed using multiple linear regression techniques. The results of the study indicate that competency and career development have a positive and significant impact on employee performance. Competence, encompassing knowledge, skills, and attitudes, has been shown to support professional task performance, while career development, encompassing education, training, transfers, promotions, and tenure, boosts motivation and work productivity. Although employee performance is generally considered quite high, work quality remains a concern. This study underscores the importance of comprehensive and sustainable human resource management to achieve optimal performance in the government sector.