The Role of Soft Skills and Explicit Knowledge on Human Resource Performance with Work Motivation as a Mediating Variable in the Human Resources of KPP Madya Semarang

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the role of soft skills and explicit knowledge in influencing human resource (HR) performance, with work motivation as a mediating variable. A quantitative approach was employed using the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) method. Data were collected through a Google Form questionnaire distributed to 118 employees of the Semarang Madya Tax Office (KPP Madya Semarang), with 93 valid responses used as the research sample. The results indicate that soft skills and explicit knowledge have a positive and significant effect on both work motivation and HR performance. Work motivation was also found to significantly enhance HR performance. Furthermore, the findings reveal that work motivation serves as a partial mediator, in which the direct influence of soft skills and explicit knowledge on HR performance is stronger than the indirect effect through work motivation. This highlights that strengthening soft skills and explicit knowledge is more effective in directly improving employee performance, although work motivation still contributes to reinforcing the relationship. Practically, this research provides valuable insights for government institutions, particularly KPP Madya Semarang, in formulating strategies to improve HR performance through the integration of soft skills, explicit knowledge, and work motivation. These findings can serve as a basis for developing internal policies and targeted training programs aimed at enhancing individual competencies and knowledge management, thereby fostering a more productive and sustainable work environment.