Comparative Assessment of Learning Environments and Skill Diversity: An Examination of Work Life Quality in Medium- and Large-Scale Manufacturing Sectors

Abstract

This article presents a comparative assessment of Quality of Work Life (QWL) dimensions specifically skill variety and learning environment between medium- and large-scale manufacturing industries. It examines variations in opportunities for employee growth through these dimensions. The attributes of these dimensions, namely learning organization, job rotation, job enrichment, and job enlargement, are analysed using samples from both sectors. Given the heterogeneous nature of the samples, descriptive statistics, Welch’s t-test, and Welch’s ANOVA are employed to test the hypotheses. The hypotheses are formulated based on demographic variables such as age, qualification, experience, and designation. The results indicate significant variations and differences between the two sectors across several attributes in different demographic classifications. Key aspects such as platforms for learning through formal and informal setups, on-the-job training, and increased responsibilities are identified as critical factors that employees seek to enhance their QWL and performance. This study contributes to the growing understanding of QWL’s role in fostering employee satisfaction and improving performance by identifying adoptable strategies across both sectors. The findings offer HR practitioners and policymakers actionable insights for workforce development in the manufacturing sector.