Would you like to become a union leader? Analysing leadership intentions through a generational lens

Christopher Gordon Smith, Tingting Zhang, Lorenzo Frangi, Linda Duxbury

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Identifying the next generation of leaders is fundamental for union renewal. Taking a sequential mixed methods approach using interview (n = 25) and survey (n = 4765) data, our study seeks to identify roadblocks members may face on the path to union leadership. Specifically, we explore the impact of union efficacy, perceived role ambiguity and perceived work role overload on union members' intentions to pursue a leadership role. We found perceptions of union efficacy positively influenced leadership intentions, while perceived work role ambiguity and overload had a negative impact. Generational cohort (Boomer, Gen X, Millennial) moderated the relationship between perceived work role overload and leadership intentions, but not the other relationships in the model. Findings from this study help unions develop strategies to motivate members to take on leadership roles.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)425-444
Number of pages20
JournalIndustrial Relations Journal
Volume54
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2023

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Industrial relations

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