The Character of American Workers: Psychological Predictors of Union Interest as Tools for American Union Practitioners

Abstract

To aid American union practitioners in the selection of winnable worksites in unionization elections, we identified predictors of union interest from psychological perspectives that bear on the character of American workers. Using perceived union instrumentality as a standard to determine the prediction status of new psychological predictors of union interest, a cognitive version of self-enhancement (overconfidence in rating one's skills and abilities) was found to predict interest above and beyond perceived instrumentality in a sample of American nonunion employees (N=452), controlling for social desirability, demographic and structural predictors, and other hypothesized predictors in a six-step hierarchical regression equation. Implications for selecting winnable election worksites and for predicting psychological aspects of union interest are discussed.

Some Psychological Determinants of Broad Union Attitudes

“…For example, among non-union workers, the individualistic notions of self-sufficiency and ambitions of self-enhancement are related to lower union support (Mellor, 2009;Mellor et al, 2012). For these reasons, we expect meritocratic beliefs to negatively relate to support for organized labor.…”

“…Much of the existing research on unions has focused on union members or potential members (Barling et al, 1991;Friedman et al, 2006;Haynes et al, 2006;Huszczo et al, 1984;Kelly & Kelly, 1994;Lowe & Rastin, 2000;Mellor et al, 2012;Tessema et al, 2013;Waddington & Whitson, 1997). For instance, the beneficial effects of unionization on life satisfaction (Flavin et al, 2010) and reduced turnover intentions (Aryee & Chay, 2001;Iverson & Currivan, 2003; see also Pohler & Luchak, 2015).…”

Use the FORCE to Create Sociability and Connect with Online Students

“…Sociability can be defined as having "an inclination to seek out pleasant social relationships," which is demonstrated through leaders' interpersonal skills and relationships (Northouse, 2022, p. 34). Mellor et al (2012) defined sociability as "a striving need, or preference to be in proximity to others, seeking and maintaining contact, interaction, coordination, and patterns of connection (i.e., being close and staying close to others)" (p. 131).…”

Choosing union representation: the role of attitudes and emotions

“…Perceived union instrumentality has been a major psychological predictor of union voting behaviour (Mellor et al, 2010). Based on a rational choice framework, if one perceives that unions will be effective in improving wages, benefits, working condition and a voice at work, he or she would more likely vote for unionisation.…”

“…The literature suggests that workplace dissatisfaction (Friedman et al ., ; Godard, ; Hemmasi and Graf, ; Kochan, ; Premack and Hunter, ), beliefs and attitudes toward unions (Fiorito and Young, ; Godard, ; Hemmasi and Graf, ), and perception of union instrumentality (Goeddeke and Kammeyer‐Mueller, ; Hemmasi and Graf, ; Martinez and Fiorito, ; Mellor et al ., ; Premack and Hunter, ) play a key role in solidifying votes for union representation.…”