Labor Management and Factors for Absenteeism in Rubber Estates -- A Scale Development Approach.

Rubber plantations that measure over 20.23 hectares (50 acres) under a single ownership is treated as estates, and those whose area ranges up to 20.23 hectares are considered as holdings. This study is based on tappers of estates of Kanyakumari district alone. The objective of the study is to Identify the dimensions of labor management in rubber plantations and the dimensions of absenteeism in rubber plantations and to develop a scale for each of them. Eight estates of Vilavankode taluk, Kanyakumari district were selected randomly to get a sample of 150 tappers. The tapper satisfaction was studied across 20 statements whereas absenteeism was assessed by eleven statements both measured in five point scale. The developed scale will be helpful to measure the satisfaction of tappers on labor management practices in rubber estates and also identify factors for absenteeism in rubber estates. It is imperative on the part of estate management to identify the labour opinion on labour management practices and the reasons for absenteeism to improve upon existing work pattern and maintain a happy work force. In future similar scales can be developed for rubber tappers of other regions like Kerala and North East and also for tappers engaged in small holdings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]