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Employee Engagement in Smart Factories: Research Gaps and a Nomological Framework for the Sri Lankan Apparel Sector

Author

Listed:
  • S. G. Yapa

    (Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka)

  • G. D. N Perera

    (Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka)

  • P. Jayasekara

    (Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka)

Abstract

The main objectives of this article are to identify research gaps on Smart Factory context and employee engagement in apparel manufacturing and to develop an integrated nomological framework. A systematic literature review (SLR) strategy was used to achieve these objectives. The literature survey was conducted using databases including Scopus, Taylor & Francis, Web of Science, Emerald Insight, Google Scholar, JSTOR, Oxford, Sage and Wiley Online Library, covering the period from 1990 to 2024. More than 350 articles were reviewed, of which 91 met the inclusion criteria for relevance, full-text availability, and scientific rigor. Through the SLR four key research gaps, were identified: Empirical Gap, Knowledge Gap, Methodological Gap and Theoretical Gap. Based on the identified gaps, an integrated framework was developed for further empirical studies. This study is limited to nomological framework development; it sheds new light on the human-centered dimensions of Smart Factory Context by injecting theoretical perspectives such as the Technology Acceptance Model, Job Demands–Resources model, Social Exchange Theory and the Resource-Based View. This study contributes to the literature on Smart Factories and employee engagement, as it addresses previously unexplored relationships among training, workplace support and operational efficiency. Further, it offers valuable insights to managers and policymakers in the apparel industry, aligning Smart Factory practices with employee engagement to ensure sustainable competitiveness.

Suggested Citation

  • S. G. Yapa & G. D. N Perera & P. Jayasekara, 2025. "Employee Engagement in Smart Factories: Research Gaps and a Nomological Framework for the Sri Lankan Apparel Sector," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 9(9), pages 4538-4549, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:9:y:2025:issue-9:p:4538-4549
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Wilmar Schaufeli & Marisa Salanova & Vicente González-romá & Arnold Bakker, 2002. "The Measurement of Engagement and Burnout: A Two Sample Confirmatory Factor Analytic Approach," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 3(1), pages 71-92, March.
    2. Ercan Oztemel & Samet Gursev, 2020. "Literature review of Industry 4.0 and related technologies," Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing, Springer, vol. 31(1), pages 127-182, January.
    3. Susitha, Emmanuel, 2021. "Influencing Factors of Employee Readiness to Adopt Advanced Manufacturing Technology (AMT) on Apparel Shop Floor in Sri Lanka," OSF Preprints puv7z, Center for Open Science.
    4. Macey, William H. & Schneider, Benjamin, 2008. "The Meaning of Employee Engagement," Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Cambridge University Press, vol. 1(1), pages 3-30, March.
    5. de Sousa Jabbour, Ana Beatriz Lopes & Jabbour, Charbel Jose Chiappetta & Foropon, Cyril & Godinho Filho, Moacir, 2018. "When titans meet – Can industry 4.0 revolutionise the environmentally-sustainable manufacturing wave? The role of critical success factors," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 132(C), pages 18-25.
    6. Naween Weerasinghe & Ashani Weerasinghe & Yulashika Perera & Sanduni Tennakoon & Nilmini Rathnayake & Punmadara Jayasinghe, 2023. "Sustainability practices and organizational performance during the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis: A case of apparel and textile industry in Sri Lanka," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 18(7), pages 1-31, July.
    7. repec:osf:osfxxx:puv7z_v1 is not listed on IDEAS
    8. Andrew Kusiak, 2018. "Smart manufacturing," International Journal of Production Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 56(1-2), pages 508-517, January.
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