Factors Influencing the Migration Intention of Sri Lankan Apparel Industry Executives

Abstract

The apparel industries in Sri Lanka are the largest exporters of high-quality apparel products to global brands. With global recognition, migration opportunities have increased, and recently, there has been an increase in the migration tendency of Sri Lankan professionals involved in the apparel industry. However, there is a lack of research on factors influencing migration intentions in the Sri Lankan context. Therefore, this study investigates the factors influencing Sri Lankan apparel industry executives' migration intentions, analyzes their level of intention, and determines the impact of these influencing factors on Sri Lankan apparel industry executives. A study using positivist philosophy and deductive methods was conducted on 248 executive employees in the Sri Lankan apparel sector. The study utilized an individual- level survey-based questionnaire method, analyzed using descriptive statistics, reliability, normality analysis, and multiple regression to test hypotheses. The study found a significant positive relationship between push and pull factors of migration intention and the migration intentions of Sri Lankan apparel industry executives. The findings suggest that policies should be developed to retain the skilled workforce in the industry, reducing migration tendencies. These policies should include micro and macro policies related to improving working conditions and involvement in political and economic issues.