Qualitative investigation of employee efficacy on sustainable work performance in oil palm plantation

The Malaysian oil palm industry, a key driver of the nation’s economy, faces persistent challenges such as labor shortages and declining productivity. This qualitative study examines the factors influencing employee efficacy in small and medium-sized oil palm plantations by exploring the interplay between employee personality traits, leadership styles, and environmental work conditions. Using a purposeful sampling strategy, five plantation managers from various states in Malaysia were selected as respondents. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed using thematic analysis, which identified nine key themes: (1) Employee Personality, (2) HR Practices, (3) Leadership and Management Challenges, (4) Performance Evaluation, (5) Conflict Resolution, (6) Employee Development and Training, (7) Safety and Compliance Management, (8) Workplace Environment, and (9) Environmental Work Factors. The findings highlight that positive personality traits such as diligence, discipline, collaboration) enhance productivity, while negative traits like stubbornness, absenteeism, and laziness hinder efficiency. Leadership and HR practices play a critical role in motivating employees through training, performance incentives, and structured feedback mechanisms. Additionally, a safe and conducive work environment, compliance with occupational safety standards, and access to modern equipment significantly improve work performance. The study provides actionable recommendations for plantation managers to enhance managerial strategies, improve workforce engagement, and create a sustainable work environment to drive productivity and industry growth.