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Determinants of employees’ attitudes toward union membership in India

Author

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  • Sarkar, Santanu

Abstract

Drawing on data from a survey of 252 unionized full-time employees from large Indian organizations, this study examined whether individual level job related variables and individual cultural value dimensions of individualism–collectivism (I–C) were predictive of employees’ attitudes toward union membership. Using regression analysis, the author found that over and above the effects of demographic and job-related variables, work situation dissatisfaction and perceived work stress were able to predict union attitudes significantly and positively for the sample. The relationship of union attitude was highly significant and negative with a consultative managerial style. Collectivism was able to predict the union attitudes positively, whereas individualism was negatively related to the union attitudes. The interaction between employees’ perceived work stress and work situation dissatisfaction are found to have a positive influence on their union attitudes. The results and implications of findings are discussed in the paper with reference to the literature on role of cultural dimensions (I–C) and job related factors in relation to organizational outcomes like union membership.

Suggested Citation

  • Sarkar, Santanu, 2012. "Determinants of employees’ attitudes toward union membership in India," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 47(2), pages 240-250.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:worbus:v:47:y:2012:i:2:p:240-250
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jwb.2011.04.011
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Farber, Henry S & Saks, Daniel H, 1980. "Why Workers Want Unions: The Role of Relative Wages and Job Characteristics," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 88(2), pages 349-369, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Che Supian Mohamad Nor & Ramesh Kumar Moona Haji Mohamed & Charles Ramendran SPR & Prem Kumar Nadarajan & Vimala Kadiresan, 2018. "Trade Unions: Relevant Out of Irrelevant? A Study on Generation’s Perception in Malaysia," International Journal of Human Resource Studies, Macrothink Institute, vol. 8(3), pages 3852-3852, December.
    2. Molefe Jonathan Maleka, 2018. "The Biographical and Human Resource Management Predictors of Union Membership Engagement of Low- and Middle-Income Workers," Journal of Economics and Behavioral Studies, AMH International, vol. 10(1), pages 207-216.

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