Catalysts of Success: Unveiling the Transformative Power of Informal Communication on Employee Performance

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.