THE INFLUENCE OF CAREER GROWTH ON WORK ENGAGEMENT: EMPLOYEES OF MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY IN KLANG VALLEY, MALAYSIA

Abstract

Over the years, the manufacturing sector has emerged as one of the primary industrial forces driving economic expansion. Work engagement has become a significant topic for many organizations, as they recognize that employee retention is crucial to a company's success. The labour performed by employees and the satisfaction they derive from their work are directly linked to work engagement. This study aimed to examine the influence of career growth on work engagement among manufacturing employees in Klang Valley, Selangor. A total of 269 employees participated as respondents. To collect the necessary data, questionnaire forms were employed as the primary data collection method. Descriptive tests and inferential analyses, including the Pearson correlation test and simple linear regression analysis, were used as quantitative approaches in this research. The collected data were analysed using version 23.0 of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The study utilized a snowball sampling technique. The findings revealed that career growth has a significant impact on work engagement, with professional ability development identified as the most influential factor in employees’ work engagement. These results highlight the importance of organizations in supporting employees' skill development to enhance workplace productivity. In conclusion, employees are more likely to be engaged and develop a strong sense of belonging to their company when they perceive greater opportunities for career growth.