Relationship Between Leadership Style and Work Discipline of Health Administration Employees at Puskesmas Sigambal Rantauprapat

Abstract

Background: Work discipline is a critical factor in the effectiveness of health service delivery at primary health care centers (puskesmas). Leadership style plays a pivotal role in shaping employee behavior, including compliance with organizational rules and professional norms. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the relationship between leadership style and work discipline among health administration employees at Puskesmas Sigambal Rantauprapat in 2026. Methods: A quantitative research design with a cross-sectional approach was employed. The population consisted of all health administration employees (n = 42). Total sampling was applied, yielding a sample of 42 respondents. Data were collected through validated and reliable questionnaires. Univariate analysis was conducted to describe the frequency distribution of each variable, and bivariate analysis was performed using the Chi-Square test at a significance level of α = 0.05. Results: Of the 42 respondents, 52.4% perceived a democratic leadership style and 47.6% perceived an autocratic leadership style. Work discipline was categorized as good in 57.1% of respondents and poor in 42.9%. Bivariate analysis revealed a statistically significant relationship between leadership style and work discipline (p-value = 0.003; OR = 6.50; 95% CI: 1.82–23.21). Health administration employees who perceived a democratic leadership style were 6.5 times more likely to exhibit good work discipline than those who perceived an autocratic style. Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between leadership style and work discipline among health administration employees at Puskesmas Sigambal Rantauprapat. Health center managers are encouraged to adopt a democratic leadership approach to foster compliance, responsibility, and a professional work culture.