IMPACT OF SOCIAL SUPPORT ON JOB PERFORMANCE OF WOMEN EMPLOYEES IN THE APPAREL SECTOR IN NUWARAELIYA DISTRICT

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.