Stitching Satisfaction: Determinants and Disparities in Job Satisfaction in Sri Lanka’s Apparel Sector

Abstract

The study examines the determinants of job satisfaction in Sri Lanka’s apparel industry, a labor-intensive, export-oriented sector critical to the national economy. Despite its economic significance, employee well-being in this industry remains underexplored. Drawing on existing literature, the study identifies key factors influencing job satisfaction: pay and promotional opportunities, quality of work-life, supervisory support, and teamwork. Data were gathered from 177 employees representing multiple job categories in apparel firms. Spearman correlation analysis reveals that all identified factors exert a significant positive relationship with job satisfaction. The findings indicate notable disparities in satisfaction across hierarchical levels: non-executive and managerial staff report dissatisfaction or neutrality regarding pay, promotions, and teamwork, whereas junior executives demonstrate higher satisfaction. Supervisory support emerges as a particularly influential factor, underscoring its role in motivating employees. These structural and perceptual variations highlight the need for targeted human resource strategies and policy reforms to enhance satisfaction and organizational performance. The insights offer practical implications for managers, policymakers, and stakeholders committed to fostering sustainable workforce practices within Sri Lanka’s apparel sector.