Social Disconnectedness and Career Advancement Impact on Performance: The Role of Employees’ Satisfaction in the Energy Sector

Abstract

Employee performance in remote areas is a source of concern for the Saudi Arabian energy sector, which serves as the primary engine of the country’s economy. This research paper aimed to study the impact of social disconnectedness and career advancement on employees’ performance through employee satisfaction as a mediator. The targeted population was employees worked in remote areas in the energy sector. Data were collected using a web-based questionnaire and distributed electronically using social media. A total of 390 respondents participated in this study, and structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to analyze the collected data. The study findings revealed that career advancement positively impacts employee performance; however, social disconnectedness negatively impacts employees’ performance. Both career and social factors had an indirect effect on employees’ performance through employee satisfaction. Lastly, results demonstrated a positive impact of employee satisfaction on employee performance. Important insights into theoretical and practical implications were discussed.