Bureaucratic Performance: Strategies for Improving the Performance of Employees in the State Secretariat for Secondary Education and Vocational Training in Timor-Leste

Abstract

This study examines the factors that influence employee performance in the State Secretariat for Secondary Education and Vocational Training in Timor-Leste, focusing on work motivation, competence, work environment, and organizational commitment as the main variables that interact and mediate performance achievement. In the context of bureaucratic reform and improving the quality of education services in developing countries, this study aims to identify obstacles in the implementation of performance improvement strategies and to design effective human resource management strategies to increase employee motivation and loyalty. The research approach used is qualitative with data collection through surveys, interviews, and observations, as well as data analysis using statistical and interpretive methods. The results show that work motivation, competency through training, a conducive work environment, and organizational commitment directly and indirectly have a significant effect on employee performance, with employee engagement acting as the main mediator. The main obstacles include an inadequate incentive system, a lack of continuous training, and an organizational culture that is not innovative and communicative, which leads to the ineffectiveness of existing performance improvement policies and programs. Recommended strategies include the development of a results-based incentive system, continuous competency training, and the development of an inclusive and transformational organizational culture. These findings make an important scientific and practical contribution as a basis for the design of adaptive and sustainable human resource management policies in an effort to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of educational services in Timor-Leste.