Prof. Asriati Dikukuhkan as a Professor at Unismuh, Emphasizes Work Ethic as Key to Performance

UNISMUH.AC.ID, MAKASSAR — The atmosphere of the Makassar Muhammadiyah University (Unismuh) 47th Muktamar Conference Hall, Monday, September 29, 2025, was filled with emotion and pride. The Extraordinary Open Senate Meeting formally conferred five new professors, including Prof. Dr. Asriati, S.E., M.Si., as a Professor of Economics.

Asriati was conferred during the Extraordinary Open Senate Meeting, along with four other Unismuh professors. They are Prof. Dr. Ir. Hj. Kasifah, M.P. (Soil Fertility and Agricultural Environment Science), Prof. Hartono Bancong, S.Pd., M.Pd., Ph.D. (Physics Education Experiment), Prof. Dr. Rukli, M.Pd. (Education Evaluation), and Prof. Dr. Agustan, S.Pd., M.Pd. (Mathematics Education).

In her scientific presentation, Asriati addressed the theme “Distribution of Work Ethos and Locus of Control Factors on Employee Performance.” She emphasized that organizational performance is not only related to systems and structures, but also to individual values and beliefs.

“Work ethos is the moral capital that determines how seriously someone works. While locus of control indicates whether success is determined by one's own efforts or external factors,” said Asriati.

Work Ethos as a Moderator

Asriati's research showed that work ethos moderates the influence of locus of control on performance. The moderation test results even recorded a t-value of 5.981; p=0.000, indicating a significant effect.

She stated that employees with a high internal locus of control and work ethos are more responsible, innovative, and results-oriented. Conversely, those with a dominant external locus of control tend to be passive and dependent on the situation.

“This aspect is important in human resource management, both in the public and private sectors. We need to ensure that the distribution of work ethos is evenly distributed through example, training, and reward systems,” she said.

Academic Achievements

Asriati was born in Makassar in 1963. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Development Economics from Universitas Muslim Indonesia (1988), a Master's degree in Agribusiness from Universitas Hasanuddin (2000), and a Doctorate in Management Science from Universitas Muslim Indonesia (2023).

Her career at Unismuh Makassar began in the 1990s and culminated in the highest academic position. She is actively involved in research, publications, and community service. Her scientific articles have been published in Journal of Distribution Science (2024, indexed in Scopus Q3) with the same topic as her conferment speech.

Outside academia, Asriati is actively involved in various organizations. She is registered as Secretary of BAZNAS Mitra Masjid Az Zokraa (2025), Secretary of PRA Talasalapang Muhammadiyah (2022), and an active member of Aisyiyah. Her long dedication has also been recognized with the Satyalancana Karya Satya 20 Years award from the President of Indonesia (2016).

Closing her speech, Asriati quoted QS Ar-Ra'd verse 11: “Surely Allah will not change the state of a people until they change their own state.”

She emphasized that this verse aligns with the concept of internal locus of control—that organizational performance starts with individual awareness and responsibility for their work.

“The position of professor is a trust. Our task is not only to produce academic works, but also to provide real benefits to society,” she concluded.