Managerial Perspectives on Work Complexity, Engagement, and Commitment in a Philippine Micro-Business: An Exploratory Case Study

Abstract

This qualitative case study explored managerial perspectives on work complexity, work engagement, and continuance commitment within a micro-business enterprise in Cadiz City, Philippines. The study focused on a growing micro-enterprise engaged in hauling and food services, characterized by informal work structures and a multi-functional blue-collar workforce. Through semi-structured interviews with the owner-manager and operations supervisor, four key themes emerged: multifaceted job roles and informal learning as responses to work complexity; relational engagement sustained through close interpersonal ties and recognition; economic necessity as the primary driver of continuance commitment; and the risk of role overload and burnout in an informal work setting. Findings revealed that blue-collar workers in this context regularly navigate complex, cognitively demanding tasks without formal training systems, relying instead on experiential learning. Managers highlighted the importance of relational strategies and informal recognition in sustaining worker engagement but acknowledged the limitations of such approaches, particularly under conditions of operational stress. Worker retention was largely attributed to limited employment alternatives rather than strong organizational loyalty. This study underscores the distinct challenges and adaptive strategies in micro-business workforce management, offering practical insights for small business owners, policymakers, and researchers. It also calls for further qualitative research that incorporates worker perspectives to enrich understanding of employment dynamics in micro-enterprise settings.