Abstract
This article introduces a significant advancement with the "Theory of Employee Planned Behavior" (TEPB), a novel extension of the well-established Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). The TEPB uniquely positions job satisfaction as a central determinant in driving organizational performance. Using data from county-level government institutions in the United States, this research offers a nuanced exploration into how employee satisfaction influences organizational commitment and citizenship behaviors, which, in turn, substantially impact organizational performance. Our approach utilizes a significant dataset involving 372 dyads across hierarchical levels in government institutions. Through the application of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), we rigorously validate the TEPB model. The results highlight a significant relationship where enhanced job satisfaction leads to stronger organizational commitment. This heightened commitment further fosters organizational citizenship behaviors, crucial in achieving superior organizational performance. This work notably extends the TPB model by integrating organizational performance as a consequential outcome. It also provides empirical evidence of the direct relationship between job satisfaction and organizational performance, specifically in the context of government institutions. Such findings are invaluable for organizational executives and policymakers in recognizing the paramount importance of employee satisfaction for organizational success. Overall, the TEPB model presented in this study offers a holistic and practical framework for organizations seeking to understand and effectively manage employee behavior. By focusing on job satisfaction, organizations can foster a more committed and proactive workforce, significantly improving performance and efficiency.