Table of Contents

Introduction...........................................................................................................................................1

Definition of key concepts.....................................................................................................................1

Trends....................................................................................................................................................1

Practical applications.............................................................................................................................5

Conclusion.............................................................................................................................................7

References.............................................................................................................................................8

Introduction
How does dress code attire impact employee behavior? This question is one that has been
debated for several years. It has been the norm for people to dress conventionally, but recent
trends suggest a more casual look in the work place (Pliagas, 2001). Research studies provide
conflicting results as to whether casual work attire has a negative or positive impact on
employees and organizations. Some research suggests that a casual dress code can create a
positive work environment (Anonymous, 2002). Other research suggests that casual dress
codes have a negative impact on employee attitudes and company images (Badola, 2010).
Understanding the effects of casual work attire is imperative in understanding organizational
behavior.

Definition of key concepts

For decades, business clothing has remained predictable, but recent trends are moving
towards a more casual look in the work place. Despite this growing trend, it is still important
to understand dress codes and policies and what is appropriate casual attire (Pliagas, 2001).

Before engaging in an informative discussion on the possible impacts of casual dressing at

the work place or any other associated aspects of casual attitude in the work environment, it
is important to understand the concept of professional dressing and its significance in the
professional world of business.

A dress code is a set of rules, often written, with regards to clothing. Dress codes are created
out of social perceptions and norms, and vary based on purpose, circumstances, and
occasions. Different societies and cultures are likely to have different dress codes, Western
dress codes being a prominent example.

Organizational behaviour is the study of how people behave both individually and within
informal and formal groups. Every organization’s performance is ultimately dependent on the
motivational levels of its human resources and the willingness and ability of people to work
harmoniously and effectively towards the accomplishment of shared goals. In this discipline,
we will explore and examine the interrelationships of individual personality and work, the
characteristics of organizations and their environments and the challenges presented by the
ever-changing combination of these factors.

Organizational Behaviour helps to understand different activities and actions of people in

organization. It also helps to motivate them. People, Environment, Technology and structure
are the main four elements of organizational behaviour.

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Analysis of identified case study
Formal attire in a business environment includes suits and ties for men, while women require
business suits with pants or a long skirt and a jacket. The conventional colors of professional
dress are usually navy and black. This style of dress in the office environment was the norm
until the dot-com boom of the nineties, when many companies opted for a more casual dress
code. During the chaos of the internet craze, many firms could not compete and went out of
business. In order to regain their positions in the market, the remaining companies began
shifting towards a more formal dress code (Peluchette & Karl, 2007). Facloni (1996) says, “If
dressing down has an effect on productivity, it is only negative. If you look sharp, you are
more likely to act sharp.” (p. 13). Staff writer at National Society of Professional Engineers,
Eva Kaplan-Leiserson (2000), concurs, “The way you look directly affects the way you think,
feel, and act… When you dress down, you sit down – the couch potato trend. Manners break
down, you begin to feel down, and you’re not as effective” (p. 39).

Theories
There was a time when a formal dress code was not absolutely needed in businesses, offices
and shops - wearing smart attire for work was culturally implied, regardless of the job. From
the Victorian era, right through the first half of the 20th Century, people opted for formality
as a matter of course. Even painters & decorators, brickies and factory workers would wear a
shirt and tie to work.

Trends
Business casual dress has become the 21st century clothing attire in companies across
developed and developing nation alike. Business casual dress promotes professionalism,
increases productivity, and creates a safe work environment in the workplace. The dress and
appearance should always reflect the highest standard of professionalism. The appearance of
the employees plays an important part in how the public perceives the company.

Business casual means clothing appropriate for the office. It also means "dressing
professionally, looking relaxed yet neat and pulled together" (Boer, 2001, para 3). The
purpose of a business casual policy is to provide a comfortable work environment while still
projecting a professional image. Representatives of the company should dress in an
appropriate manner during work hours and while conducting company business.

In today’s society, companies are moving towards more casual dress policies (Pliagas, 2001).
This growing trend has led to conflicting research studies suggesting whether casual work
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attire has a positive or negative impact on workers and organizations. Some research suggests
that a causal dress code creates a positive work environment, which increases productivity
(Anonymous, 2002). In contrast, some research suggests that casual dress codes have a
negative impact on employee attitudes and organizational images (Badola, 2010).

Some casual attire is unacceptable in Corporate America (i.e., flip flops, gym shorts, and see
through shirts). Casual dress codes can be misinterpreted and taken out of context. It allows
the employees to have a laid-back attitude and sometimes this behavior could lack
professionalism in the workplace. The employees' opinions do count and should be
recognized; however, guidelines should be put in place for the professional image of the
company. Companies have realized they have to lay down specific policies because
employees may not have a clear understanding of the dress code policy.

Blue is a colour that conveys dignity. Green has been labelled as a very inappropriate colour
for a male suit; this is because it is a common color for many hotel uniforms has cannot live
up to the status demanded by the professional world. Gray is a common color that represents
success and trustworthiness. The female employees have realized that the black color is an
important and is able to complement many of their professional dresses. They therefore need
to choose their clothes carefully based on solid colors that can easily blend with as many
colors as possible. Female employees can always soften the basic colors for their professional
dresses like brown and black by adding jewel tones, these usually demonstrates their
confidence and energy, which is much needed by customers they serve in the professional
environment.

The corporate and professional standards must be respected during the selection of the
Professional dresses; the color of these dresses is a key factor to making a good a selection.
The type of fabric is also a factor in the selection process simply because it is symbolic (For
example the natural fibres like linen, wool, cotton and silk are a symbol of status. The most
preferred type of fabric for both male and female employees in the Bank include 100% pure
wool. It is the most appropriate fabric for the professional dresses, followed by cotton. The
likes of suede, leather, velvet and satin are fabrics that are inappropriate for professional
dresses. There have been different interpretations for the meaning of professional dressing in
America (different states have their interpretations, for example the Texas and some Western
states believe that a business man can wear polished cowboy boots and their business suits

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and remain professional). Florida and California has a more casual dressing standard
compared to New York.

In 2002, fifteen major U.S. cities were surveyed about the definition of business casual and
other issues related to inappropriate office attire, and the effects of business casual attire.
Overall, respondents feel that the biggest benefits to business casual are:

 relaxed atmosphere 34%,

 comfort 21.9%,

 saving time and money 16.3%, and

 morale 14.7% (Business, Fashion, & Lifestyle Editors, 2002).

Organizational variables such as job characteristics, organizational culture, regulatory

conditions, and supervision affect employee perceptions and motivation (Ramlall, 2004). Job
characteristics are features that should be satisfying and motivating because they shape
employee perceptions. Robertson (2007) conducted a study that explored the perceptions of
different generations towards dress code policies. The study specifically focused on how
Generation X, Generation Y, Baby Boomers, and Matures viewed professional business,
business casual and casual work attire. Robertson (2007) focused on how dress policy
perceptions affected preference, productivity, professionalism, job satisfaction, and retention.
The study also focused on differences of perceptions between generations towards dress
codes by gender. The results of the study found an overall consistency between the
perceptions of the generational cohorts towards dress codes.

Robertson (2007) found that Generation X and Generation Y felt casual clothing is
acceptable in professional business environments. Overall, the generational cohorts preferred
business casual and casual attire. The different generations believed that dress attire affects
productivity and morale, but not job satisfaction, and that casual dress attire is a perk
organizations offer employees. The results of Robertson’s (2007) study suggest that dress
attire does not seem to affect employee behavior, productivity or job satisfaction. In addition,
organizations do not have to adopt casual dress codes in order to attract and retain different
generations. However, organizations should offer casual work attire as a perk.

There are States that have remained very conservative with their dressing style (meaning they
tend to dress professionally more often than not) these states include D.C, Atlanta, Boston,
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and Chicago).It is common knowledge that professional dressing has its important
significance, in the sense that it builds confidence of the employees and also helps to build a
professional environment within the Bank environment which is a plus to the image of the
Bank of America. It necessary that the customers or the Bank clients constantly feel that they
are dealing with professionals who will at all tomes give them professional advice to help
them protect the investments and also give them sound financial advice.

It is interesting that professional dressing helps to build this environment. A good

professional image for the male employees within the bank is to ensure that they wear good
quality suits that are solid and have dark colors. These suits should be complimented with
good quality ties. They need to maintain a conservative way of dressing, simply because
Bank of America as explained in this introduction is an international bank and has clients all
over the world and therefore employees within the American Branch have a high potential of
serving customers from all over the world and must remain professional if they are to handle
such customers who constantly need assurance that the bank is professional and has safely
kept their deposits.

The major possible causes of the emerging trend of the casual dressing trend in the financial
sector with specific interest in the Bank of America include; the need to return to a state of
elegance as a new approach of expressing professionalism and slow but progressive change
from the formal dress code. This paper will therefore will address the history or origin of the
casual dressing and its possible consequences within the Bank of America. Some of the
casual dressing trends also adopted by other banking institutions or businesses include the
casual Fridays and the dress-down days.

In today’s society, there is a growing trend in casual dress policies in U.S. companies.
Research suggests that one reason for this growth may be due to the affects organizational
dress has on employee attitudes. A causal dress code can create a positive work environment
and encourage employees to be more productive (Anonymous, 2002). Casual Friday has been
common for years, but more companies are now embracing a policy of casual business attire
five days a week. The goal is to improve morale and productivity by allowing employees to
work in comfortable clothes (Ryan, 1997).

Over the past decade, organizations have adopted more casual dress policies to increase
morale and enhance job satisfaction (Robertson, 2007). In 1992, 20% of companies permitted
business casual dress policies and 17% allowed workers to dress in casual attire at least once
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day a week (Walter, 1996). Three years later, 33% of companies implemented business
casual dress policies, but 42% allowed employees to dress in casual work attire at least once a
week (Elsberry, 1997). By 1997, 53% of companies in the United States implemented casual
dress codes at least once a week (Ten Kate, 1998).

Practical applications
Professional dressing has a lot of significance especially in the business sector. There is great
significance that is attached to the color of the professional dress; this is largely due to the
different meanings expressed by the different type of colours (Walter,1996). For example,
deep and dark colors are associated with wealth. Nuetral and the basic colors are most
appropriate for business attire. In Bank for instance most senior managers dress in Dark
colored suits which is a symbol of authority, the dark colors also symbolize power.

Having a dress code can promote belonging and unity. According to studies, specific work
clothing will make your employees more focused on their job. When choosing a uniform or
creating a dress code, make sure you prioritise your staff’s safety.

Robertson (2007) suggested that casual dress policies are perks organizations can offer
employees at no cost to the organization. Casual dress policies can also save employees
money by preventing the cost of formal work attire. Ceridian Employer services asked over
100 companies if casual dress was offered as a perk to employees. The companies ranged in
size from small businesses to corporate businesses. The results of the poll showed that 82%
of the companies permitted employees to dress in casual work attire as a perk to attract and
retain employees (Robertson, 2007). According to Walter (1996), about 90% of office works
in the United States wear casual attire at least once a week. A study conducted by Lee
Apparel Company found that over 80% of female employees are allowed to dress in casual
attire at least once a week. The study also concluded that almost half of female employees
dress casually five days a week (Elsberry, 1997).

Research studies suggest that switching to casual dress policies positively impacts
productivity. One reason for this positive impact is that employees are able to focus better
when they are dressed comfortably (Robertson, 2007). Levi Strauss and Company conducted
a survey in 1994 on employers that implemented a casual dress code at least one day a week.
The results found that four out of five employees felt that casual work attire increased morale

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and improved productivity (Bragg, 1994). Franz and Norton (2004) found that employees
experience more job satisfaction in organization with casual dress policies.

Galin and Benoliel (1990) conducted a study to see whether casual work attire affected
performance evaluations. The results of the study concluded that managers who dressed
casually rated employees higher than managers who dressed formally. Research suggests that
employees who prefer to dress formally have more positive feelings towards their employers
and report higher job satisfaction. In addition, they are more committed to organizational
goals (Franz & Norton, 2004). When employees are satisfied they are more productive and
committed to achieving organizational goals. According to Bragg (1994), when Chase
Manhattan Bank adopted its casual dress policy, it enhanced morale and employees increased
productivity.

A productive and respectful environment provides a positive work environment and helps
employees to feel included (Ramlall, 2004). According to the results of Mahal’s (2009) study,
employees who feel that the organizational environment is positive are more productive.
Dress policies reflect an organization’s values. Casual dress policies can reflect a more
participative structure because managers and employees dress similarly. This promotes
equality and creates a sense of unity (Robertson, 2007). In addition, dressing casually can
help ease tensions and minimize communication barriers between employees and managers
(Franz & Norton, 2004).

Casual work attire can create an informal organizational culture, which may increase
creativity and innovation. Organizations require creativity and innovation to remain
competitive and become successful (Robertson, 2007). Studies show that people are more
productive and efficient when they feel comfortable in their work environment.
Uncomfortable organizational climates can lead to various problems, such as increased stress
and employee dissatisfaction, which can result in the failure to achieve goals. One way to
create a comfortable and satisfying work climate is to adopt a casual dress code. Dress codes
help encourage employees to achieve positive outcomes (Schein, 1996).

In contrast, research suggests that casual dress codes can negatively impact employee
attitudes and company images. Badola (2010) found that “if employees don’t dress properly
for a job, others assume they don’t take their responsibilities seriously” (p. 1). This
assumption can lead to negative attitudes and decrease productivity. It is also suggested that
workers feel pressured to follow specific dress patterns in order to achieve success in the
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corporate world (Do work places, 2009). A survey conducted by Office Team found that 81%
of workers think the way they dress for work affects how they are viewed professionally and
46% feel that work attire has a meaningful impact on their image (Cline, 2005).

According to Badola (2010), “if employees don’t dress properly for a job, others assume they
don’t take their responsibilities seriously” (p. 1). Research studies suggest that work attire can
impact the functionality of the workplace, as well as interactions between employees (Sklar,
2010). Two primary concerns of social interactions are image and presentation. The
researcher asked the participants to describe their social interactions when dressed casually.
According to the results, participants agreed that they were more socially active when
wearing jeans, although they attributed the increase in social interactions to the fact that they
were permitted to wear jeans on Fridays.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the essay has showed the impact of casual work attire on employees in a non-
consumer facing organization. Research suggests that casual Fridays have been common for
years, but recently more companies are now embracing a policy of casual attire five days a
week. The reason for this is to improve morale and productivity by allowing employees to
work in comfortable clothes (Ryan, 1997). However, there are conflicting studies that suggest
employees behave in accordance to how they dress, and that employees who dress
professionally act professionally. Some organizations fear that casual dress policies may
cause employees to act more relaxed, decreasing professionalism and productivity (Franz &
Norton, 2004). This paper has demonstrated that ‘getting casual at work’ poses a potential
threat to the image of the organisation. On the other hand, Franz and Norton (2004) found
that employees who dress professionally have more positive feelings and report higher job
satisfaction. They are also more committed to achieving organizational goals.

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