Does work socialisation matter? Worker engagement in political activities, attachment to democracy and openness to immigration

Abstract

The effects of work socialisation on worker engagement in political activities, attachment to democracy and openness to outsiders are explored in this article. Work environments are measured using firm size, unionisation and employee participation as significant factors that contribute to the development of democratic or authoritarian sentiment at work. Using data from the European Social Survey across 11 countries, we test whether work socialisation influences individuals' attitudes such as trust in the societal institutions of democracy, active involvement in political activities and openness to outsiders, particularly immigrants. Results indicate that individuals working in large organisations accompanied by higher levels of voice and participation at work are more likely to report greater political engagement, trust in politics, trust in people and openness to outsiders compared to workers in small organisations with low levels of voice and participation.

Works Councils and Workers' Party Preferences in Germany

“…Such voice institution has the potential to contribute to workplace democracy. Workplaces without worker voice are highly authoritarian entities (D'Art and Turner 2007, Ryan and Turner 2021, Turner et al 2020. Management unilaterally makes decisions, determines the rules of the workplace and even structures the dominant discourse of beliefs and attitudes that construct a particular world view.…”

“…Workers take on a broader class-based perspective and recognize that their interests are bound together irrespective of nationality, origin or race. Indeed, case studies and econometric examinations suggest that worker voice is associated with more positive attitudes toward immigration and a higher degree of integration of immigrants into the workplace (Bedaso et al 2022, Ryan and Turner 2021, Schmidt and Müller 2021. Such increased universal solidarity suggests that workers are less likely to have preferences for right-wing parties.…”

Management practices and productivity: Does employee representation play a moderating role?

“…It may also help reduce supervisor opportunism within the hierarchy as it provides communication between employees and top managers that is not filtered by immediate superiors (Kaufman & Levine, 2000; Smith, 1991). Third, employee representation transforms hierarchical relationships within the firm which are otherwise characterized by conformity to organizational rules and obedience to authority (Ryan & Turner, 2021). Having a say in the firm's policy can give employees a sense of efficacy, self‐determination, self‐esteem and dignity (Budd, 2014; Green, 2021).…”

Political Spillovers of Workplace Democracy in Germany

“…Such voice institution has the potential to contribute to workplace democracy. Workplaces without worker voice are highly authoritarian entities (D'Art and Turner 2007, Ryan and Turner 2021. Baumgartner et al (1979) go so far to assert that these workplaces are the most authoritarian milieus in democratic societies.…”