The Mediating Role of Job Satisfaction in the Relationship Between Promotion Practices and Faculty Performance in Public Universities of Azad Jammu and Kashmir

Abstract

Promotion practices in higher education institutions are widely recognized as strategic tools for motivating faculty and enhancing their productivity. However, the direct link between promotions and performance often overlooks the psychological mechanisms through which this relationship operates. This study investigates the mediating role of job satisfaction in the promotion–performance relationship among faculty members in public universities of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). Drawing on Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory and Procedural Justice Theory, the research employs a quantitative survey of 220 faculty members across five universities. The findings reveal that transparent and equitable promotion practices positively influence faculty performance both directly and indirectly through increased job satisfaction. The results underscore the importance of policy reforms that combine procedural fairness with opportunities for professional growth.