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A new conceptualization of union commitment: Development and test of an integrated theory
Author(s) -
Sverke Magnus,
Kuruvilla Sarosh
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
journal of organizational behavior
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.938
H-Index - 177
eISSN - 1099-1379
pISSN - 0894-3796
DOI - 10.1002/job.4030160603
Subject(s) - conceptualization , construct (python library) , theory of reasoned action , ideology , psychology , test (biology) , social psychology , organizational commitment , latent variable , structural equation modeling , positive economics , cognitive psychology , political science , economics , mathematics , artificial intelligence , computer science , law , statistics , paleontology , politics , biology , programming language
An introductory conceptual and empirical review stresses the need for a stable theoretical basis for union commitment research. The purpose of this paper is to develop a new conceptualization of union commitment based on the integration of two theories (the theory of reasoned action and the rationalistic approach to commitment). The integrated theory suggests that union commitment is composed of two dimensions, one based on instrumentality and one based on ideology, which are causally related to prounion behavioral intentions and, in turn, to union participation. Propositions derived from the integrated theory are tested using data on 1486 blue‐collar workers in Sweden. Results of linear structural equation modelling with latent variables and of multiple regression analyses provide strong support for the construct validity of the commitment dimensions and the overall applicability of the integrated theory. The central findings, their conceptual implications for the understanding of union commitment, and their practical implications for unions are discussed.