The effect of training for internet use among local trade union leaders

Internet use is increasing among all segments of society, including labour unions. In this article, the authors examine the role that training plays in internet use among union leaders. A survey was conducted among union leaders in a large Midwestern state with an economy widely spread among agricultural, manufacturing, mining, transportation and public sectors. Applying theories of technology acceptance and social learning, the researchers proposed that formal training leads to internet use and that formal training reduces problems encountered by internet users. Formal training was found to have a significant relationship with both the use and reduction of many of the problems associated with internet use.