To explore how supervisors’ behaviour and workplace environment influence ready-made garments (RMG) workers’ performance, we conducted a phone survey among the workers and supervisors of Ananta Group. The findings of this study can help enhance the productivity of the RMG sector, a key driver of the Bangladesh economy.
Researchers: Dr Khandker Wahedur Rahman; Dr Laura Boudreau; Dr Rachel Heath; Md Raied Arman
Partners: University of Washington, Columbia University, and Ananta Group
Timeline: 2021 – 2022
Status: Completed
Method: Quantitative
Contact: Dr Khandker Wahedur Rahman; wahedur.rahman@bracu.ac.bd
Context
It is well established that the relationship between employers and employees and the overall work environment can either positively or negatively affect productivity. Given the importance the ready-made garments (RMG) sector holds in the national economy of Bangladesh—the world’s second-largest producer of garments after China—it is thus imperative to investigate the existing employer-employee relationship and the work environment in the RMG sector in the country and how they influence productivity.
Objectives
The main objective of this study is to investigate the role of supervisors, especially supervisor behaviour, and workplace environment, in driving the performance of the workers in different sections like sewing, washing, dying, etc. in the RMG sector of Bangladesh.
This study is relevant to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), particularly to promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.
Methodology
We conducted a phone survey among the workers and supervisors of two factories from Ananta Group, a Bangladeshi garments conglomerate based in Dhaka. The survey collected data on, among others, physical and verbal harassment, cooperation from teammates and supervisors, etc. We then juxtaposed the survey data with team-level performance data from the management information system (MIS) of Ananta Group to draw findings.
Findings and Recommendations
Forthcoming.
