Abstract:
The apparel sector, a vital element of the country's economy, encounters challenges despite substantially
contributing to export earnings and job opportunities. This study delves into the influence of informal
communication on the performance of machine operators in a leading apparel exporter in Sri Lanka. By
scrutinizing the unique context of the selected company, the research aims to reveal insights relevant to the
company's dynamics. The methodology adopts a quantitative approach, with a sample size of 50 employees from
a selected apparel company. Simple random sampling ensures equal representation across machine operators. The
reliability analysis, utilizing Cronbach's alpha, affirms the data's trustworthiness. Correlation analysis uncovered
a positive correlation between informal communication and employee performance and regression analyses
indicated that knowledge sharing exerts the most significant influence on employee performance. The findings
underscore the importance of informal communication which consists of knowledge sharing, organizational
support and feedback, in shaping employee performance. The regression equation offers a practical tool for
predicting performance based on these factors. The study provides valuable insights for organizational
management to improve employee performance and contributes to the ongoing discussion on optimizing
workplace dynamics. In essence, this research illuminates the intricate relationship between informal
communication and employee performance within the specific context of the selected company, offering practical
implications for organizational leaders in the organization. Future research could explore the impact of emerging
communication technologies on informal communication and employee performance. Additionally, studying the
effectiveness of strategies for promoting open communication and tracking changes in communication patterns
over time could offer valuable insights. Cross-cultural variations in this relationship could also be investigated to
develop globally applicable strategies for workplace optimization.
