Abstract:
This stuldy investigates the impact of social support on job performance among women
employees in the apparel sector in Nuwara-Eliya District, Sri Lanka. The research is
motivated by the significant representation of women in the apparel industry and the
vital role social support plays in fostering resilience, personal growth, and overall wellbeing.
The study adopts a qfantitative approach, utiiizing a self-administered
questionnaire to collect data from 315 women employees across three leading apparel
companies in Nuwara-Eliya District. Social support is conceptualized as a
multidimensional construct encompassing supervisor support, co-worker support,
family support, and friends' support. Job performance is measured through indicators
such as achieving objectives, completing responsibilities, and meeting expectations.
Univariate analysis reveals a high level of social support and job perforrnance among
the respondents. Bivariate analysis, employing Pearson correlation, indicates a strong
positive relationship between social support and job performance. Further, the study
finds moderate positive correlations between supervisor support, co-worker support,
and job performance, as well as strong positive correlations befween family support,
friends' support, and job performance. Simple linear regression analysis is conducted
to determine the impact of social support dimensions on$ob performance. The findings
demonstrate that social support, supervisor support, co-worker support, family support,
and friends' support positively impact job performance among women employees in the
apparel sector. The findings have practical implications for managers and human
resorrce professionals in fostering supportive work environments, implementing
supportive policies, and designing initiatives to enhance social support and job
performance. Additionally, the research highlights the significance of social support in
addressing the unique challenges faced by women in balancing work and personal
responsibilities. By understanding and addressing the specific needs of female
employees, the apparel industry can further enhance inclusivity, support. and overall
job performance for all its workers.
