IMPACT OF SUPERVISORY AND ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT ON WORK-LIFE BALANCE AND JOB SATISFACTION IN MANUFACTURING SMES IN OMAN

Abstract

This study explores the impact of perceived supervisory support and perceived organizational support on work-life balance and job satisfaction among employees in manufacturing Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Oman. Using a positivist research philosophy and a deductive approach, the study collected data from 384 employees across six manufacturing SMEs in Oman through a structured questionnaire. The relationships between variables were analysed using structural equation modelling. The findings reveal that perceived organizational support significantly and positively influences both work-life balance and job satisfaction, with work-life balance mediating the relationship between perceived organizational support and job satisfaction. These results highlight the pivotal role of organizational-level support mechanisms in fostering employee satisfaction and work-life balance, while highlighting the limited influence of supervisory support in this context. This study developed a model that explores the impact of perceived supervisory support and perceived organizational support on work-life balance and job satisfaction among employees in manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises in Oman. The study contributes to existing literature by integrating social exchange theory, conservation of resources theory, and work-life balance theory, providing a theoretical framework. The study highlights the importance of implementing organizational initiatives that prioritize employee well-being, including flexible work arrangements. The study used a cross-sectional design and focused on Oman, which limits the ability to establish causal relationships and generalize findings to other contexts. Future research should consider adopting longitudinal approaches, conducting cross-cultural comparisons, and examining sector-specific dynamics to provide deeper insights and broader applicability of the results.