THE ROLE OF JOB STRESS IN MEDIATING THE EFFECTS OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE, WORK-LIFE BALANCE, AND LEADERSHIP ON EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine the direct and indirect effect of emotional intelligence, work-life balance, and leadership on employee performance through work stress. This study uses quantitative analysis with a sample consisting of 86 employees who were selected using judgmental sampling. The data were analyzed using the SEM-PLS method. The results showed that the three variables, namely emotional intelligence, work-life balance, and work stress, had a significant direct effect on employee performance but leadership had no effect on employee performance in the offices of district heads in Central Tapanuli Regency, as well as the variables of emotional intelligence, work-life balance, and leadership affect work stress. Furthermore, indirectly work stress is able to mediate the effects of the three variables, namely emotional intelligence, work-life balance, leadership on employee performance in the offices of district heads in Central Tapanuli Regency