The Role of Positive Emotions Toward Work and Self-Efficacy Belief in the Effect of Job Satisfaction on Job Performance: A Study on Chefs

Abstract

Purpose – This study aims to examine the effect of chefs’ job satisfaction on job performance and to determine the roles of self-efficacy and positive work-related affect in this relationship. Specifically, the research investigates whether job satisfaction influences performance directly or indirectly through self-efficacy, and whether positive affect functions as a moderator in this relationship.
Design/methodology/approach – The sample of the study consists of 393 professional chefs working in food and beverage establishments operating in Türkiye. The participants were selected using a purposive sampling method. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed to test the relationships among the variables. First, reliability and validity analyses of the measurement model were conducted, followed by the evaluation of the structural model.
Results – According to the findings, job satisfaction has a positive and significant effect on job performance (β: .363) and self-efficacy (β: .470). It was also determined that self-efficacy has a significant and positive effect on job performance (β: .237). Furthermore, self-efficacy plays a partial mediating role in the relationship between job satisfaction and job performance (β: .112). In addition, positive emotions were found to have a significant and negative moderating effect on the relationship between job satisfaction and job performance (β: −.092).
Discussion – The findings indicate that job satisfaction enhances performance both directly and indirectly by increasing self-efficacy. At the same time, positive emotions emerge as an important psychological factor influencing the strength of this relationship. To achieve sustainable performance in gastronomy businesses, it is recommended to support employees’ self-efficacy beliefs and emotional states.