The Influence of Seniority and Work Communication on Job Satisfaction with the Mediation of Willingness to Collaborate among Educators and Education Personnel at SMK Negeri 1 Nanggulan

The modern work environment requires organizations to foster collaboration and healthy communication in order to achieve optimal job satisfaction. This study aims to examine the influence of seniority and work communication on job satisfaction, by considering willingness to collaborate as a mediating variable. Data were collected from 82 respondents, consisting of teachers and education personnel at SMK Negeri 1 Nanggulan, through questionnaires analysis using the PLS-SEM method. The results revealed that seniority and work communication did not have a direct effect on job satisfaction. However, both were found to have a positive effect on willingness to collaborate. Furthermore, willingness to collaborate significantly influenced job satisfaction and mediated the relationship between work communication and job satisfaction, but did not mediate the relationship between seniority and job satisfaction. These findings provide theoretical contributions by emphasizing the strategic role of willingness to collaborate in strengthening the effect of work communication on job satisfaction. Practically, the study suggests the importance of fostering an open and collaborative communication culture, while seniority factors need to be balanced with recognition, career opportunities, and team cooperation enhancement to create a meaningful impact on job satisfaction.