Voluntary labour turnover in the textile and clothing manufacturing sector in Sri Lanka

Abstract

This research focuses on the causes of leaving the garment factories in free trade zones in Sri Lanka. This explorative research is based on 6 qualitative in-depth semi-structured interviews with the aim of gaining a more detailed and comprehensive understanding of the labour turnover issue in Sri Lankan garment industry. The study found that there were fifteen causes of intentions to leave a current employer. These fifteen causes/factors were attributed to individual, organizational and environmental levels. As this study suggests, the employee made the leaving decision depending on the severity of the labour turnover factors and/or external opportunities available in the same industry. There was evidence that the left employees have started as selfemployed. Some particular moments were found to be specific for the context of Sri Lankan garment industry. A specific system of gratuity benefits and social security funds made a contribution to the high level of labour turnover. Sexual harassment appeared to be an important non-economic factor, contributing to leave decisions amongst employees. Low social status, associated with employment in the garment industry further encouraged labour turnover. National culture strongly shaped the carrier paths. Particularly, family traditions, emphasizing the woman’s responsibility for childcare and homework, played an important role. While the garment industry mainly employs females, their husbands seemed to influence the leave decision to a large degree. Based on the research results, some implications for practitioners and policy-makers were suggested. Some avenues for further research were proposed.