Job Satisfaction and Adaptive Performance:The Mediating Roles of Independence,Efficiency, and Interdependence

• Mohanad S S Abumandila

  Tourism and Wellness University of Malaysia Kelantan.

  Author

  https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0121-306X

• Ahmed Aishb

  Tourism and Wellness University of Malaysia Kelantan

  Author

  https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2928-7167

• Akram Allohc

  Utara Malaysia

  Author

  https://orcid.org/0009-0008-7788-6694

• Ahmed Muayad Younus

  LUTC University, Malaysia

  Author

  https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5686-3505

Digital transformation has become a key driver of competitiveness in the tourism industry, particularly in

Malaysia, where organizations are increasingly adopting digital technologies to enhance service delivery

and operational efficiency. This study examines the mediating role of autonomy, competence, and

relatedness in the relationship between job satisfaction and adaptive performance among employees in

Malaysian tourism companies. Job satisfaction is conceptualized as a multidimensional construct

consisting of job field satisfaction, workplace satisfaction, and task satisfaction. Grounded in Self-

Determination Theory, the study proposes that psychological needs serve as key mechanisms through

which job satisfaction influences adaptive performance in digital work environments.

A quantitative research design was employed, and data were collected from employees working in tourism

companies in Malaysia. The study utilized Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM)

with a bootstrapping procedure of 5,000 resamples to test the hypothesized relationships and mediation

effects. The analysis focused on both direct and indirect relationships between constructs.

The results indicate that job satisfaction has a significant positive effect on adaptive performance. Among

the mediating variables, competence was found to significantly mediate the relationship between job

satisfaction and adaptive performance, while autonomy and relatedness were not significant mediators.

These findings suggest that employees’ perceived competence plays a crucial role in translating job

satisfaction into adaptive performance in digitally transforming tourism environments.

The study contributes to Self-Determination Theory by highlighting competence as the dominant

psychological mechanism in technology-driven workplaces. Practically, the findings emphasize the

importance of enhancing employee digital skills and competence development to improve adaptability and

performance in Malaysia’s tourism sector. Concise and accurate summary of the research.

1. Mohanad S S Abumandila , Tourism and Wellness University of Malaysia Kelantan.

   Faculty of Hospitality, Tourism and Wellness University of Malaysia Kelantan.

2. Ahmed Aishb , Tourism and Wellness University of Malaysia Kelantan
   Faculty of Hospitality, Tourism and Wellness University of Malaysia Kelantan
3. Akram Allohc , Utara Malaysia
   School of Business University Utara Malaysia
4. Ahmed Muayad Younus, LUTC University, Malaysia
   Postgraduate Centre (PGC) LUTC University, Malaysia

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