Rationale of the Study
The staff handbook or code of conduct typically includes a clothing code. A
comprehensive list of "Do's and Don'ts" is one of them (Bryant , 2022). In the service
industry, like educational institutions, the appearance of personnel plays a significant
role in shaping client perceptions and satisfaction. The service personnel regularly
interact with students as if the key representatives of the institution.
Historically, workplace attire followed office rules in wearing proper dress code.
“The boundaries between work and after-work fashion were vividly clear: executive
attire in the office, casual attire at home” (Lee, 2005). However, as workplace dynamics
have evolved, so too have expectations regarding professional attire. (Mitzi
Branvold,2024) noted the growing shift toward more casual dress codes in modern
workplaces, influenced by factors such as remote work, changing workforce
demographics, and an increased focus on work-life balance. This evolution has
prompted organizations to reconsider traditional dress codes to allow for greater
individual expression while maintaining professionalism.
While studies such as those by (Shinn et al., 2011) have explored relationship
between workplace dress codes and organizational culture there is a significant gap in
addressing this issue within academic settings, particularly in relation to how garments
students perceive the dress code of personnel. Most research has focused on corporate
environments, with less attention given to how academic personnel's adherence to
dress codes impacts students' perceptions, especially in fields where appearance and
presentation are integral to professional success.
In the public sector, dress codes remain a formalized aspect of workplace
policies. For instance, the Civil Service Commission, as mandated by law, issued CSC
Memorandum Circular No. 14, s. 1994, prescribing the Dress Code for All Government
Officials and Employees, and later clarifying it through CSC Memorandum Circular No.
25, s. 1991. The Commission hereby resolves to promulgate the Revised Dress Code
Prescribed for All Government Officials and Employees in the Workplace. This Dress
Code shall apply to all officials and employees of the government, both male and
female, except to those regularly performing their duties and functions in the field, or
those temporarily assigned in actual field operations.
This study also connects to broader global initiatives, aligning with several
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 8 (Decent Work and
Economic Growth) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). SDG 8 underscores the
importance of fair working conditions, which extend to allowing employees, such as
cashiers, to maintain comfort and self-expression through appropriate attire while
ensuring a professional appearance. SDG 10 emphasizes reducing inequalities, which
includes promoting inclusive dress code policies that accommodate diverse cultures,
identities, and work environments.
Garments students, who are particularly attuned to clothing and appearance have
specific perceptions regarding how the appearance of personnel influences their view of
professionalism, service quality, and overall satisfaction. Analyzing these perceptions, It
can contribute to discussions on how dress codes affect employee performance and
clients’ interactions in service-oriented businesses.
Exploring the perception of garments students towards personnel dress code has
significant for the reason that it helps provide educational institutions with insights into
how students view professional attire and how it aligns with industry standard. Such
knowledge can guide curriculum development to better prepare students for the realities
of dress expectations in the workforce, particularly in industries where dress can
communicate credibility, creativity, and professionalism.
Additionally, researchers can assess whether there is a gap between what students
perceive as appropriate and what employers expect. Bridging this gap may support
smoother transitions into the professional world, ensuring that students are better
equipped to navigate industry expectations and meet employer standards, ultimately
fostering successful careers and contribute to ongoing discussions on how dress code
affects both employee performance and client’s interactions.
Reference
https://central.edu/writing-anthology/2019/06/04/dress-codes-in-the-workplace-effects-
on-organizational-culture/
https://www.modernhr.com/blog/2024/05/14/unbuttoning-tradition-rethinking-the-
professional-dress-code-for-todays-workplace/
https://elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocs/10/44760
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0091026013495772
https://sci-hub.se/https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/
10.1080/14330237.2019.1603343
paragraph about education
introduce problem in general –
introduce prob in global
introduce prob in local area
introduce course of action
why is it important
According to Sarah Maloney Hughes, “casual dress is becoming increasingly standard.
Whether or not employers are aware of an effect in job performance because of casual
dress is unknown”.
