A causal model of employee commitment in a manufacturing setting

Describes the development and testing in a factory setting of a model of the employee organizational commitment process. Extended from early work in the field, the commitment‐performance model (C‐P model) builds up a structure which links effort and continuance commitment with employee expertise and behaviour. Survey data gathered in a multi‐division, labour‐intensive garment manufacturer in New Zealand form the basis of the empirical element which underpins the study. Uses LISREL (linear structural relationships) methodology to establish that the C‐P model is well specified and provides a framework for performance evaluation at the test site. Points the way to improve performance and reduce voluntary withdrawal using LISREL output to plan interventions in areas which the C‐P model indicates will enhance commitment in a balanced and cost‐effective way.