MANAGING LABOUR TURNOVER: A CASE STUDY OF A SRI LANKAN APPAREL MANUFACTURING ORGANIZATION

Abstract

This study was conducted in a leading export oriented organisation situated in Kandy district, Sri Lanka. The organisation was a leading apparel manufacturer to US market. Overall objective of the study was to examine the impact of Labour Turnover on Productivity. Specific objectives of the study were to identify the major contributory factors for labour turnover, to examine the factors contributing to labour turnover, and to analyse the impact of current practices and measures taken by the organization in addressing labour turnover. Study was focused on the labour turnover, specifically the sewing machine operators (Team members). Study has examined the models and sources of labour turnover, paying attention to models of job satisfaction, and employee commitment. Conceptual framework of the study was based on the Causal Model of Turnover (Denver studies) developed by Price (1977), and studies done by Hom and Griffeth (1995) on same. Hundred and twenty sewing machine operators were selected for the study based on systematic random sampling. A questionnaire was employed to conduct the survey. In addition, 10 Job Trainers were interviewed on their experiences and views of employee turnover. Study analysed, and verified a range of factors that were consistently linked to employee turnover. Authors found 24 out of 42 subscales tested for establishing of the relationship between variables affecting employees to have ‘an intention to leave’, displayed positive relationships, and the overall model could be considered as significant. Factors that lead Team members to leave the organization were linked to its processes, practice and methods. organization needs to consider exact requirements of employees for benefits to be perceived positively by them. Results of this study would facilitate organization’s decision makers to understand the general nature of employee turnover and its’ likely causes, and contexts as well.

For full paper: fmscresearch@sjp.ac.lk