The relationship between membership decline and union commitment: A field study of local unions in crisis

Abstract

In this field study, I examined relationships between membership decline in 20 locals affiliated with a large industrial union and commitment as measured by a short-form version of the Union Commitment Scale (L. Friedman and R. J. Harvey; see record 1986-28952-001 ). Commitment level was positively related to percentage of decline, with members in locals with more severe membership losses reporting higher commitment than members in locals with less severe or no losses. Also examined was the influence of decline on satisfaction with company and with union, as well as attitudes toward past and future strike activity. Satisfaction results were partially consistent with union–management climate influences on dual commitment. Results on strike attitudes were generally consistent with results on decline and commitment. Findings are interpreted as illustrating predictable adjustments made by union members in support of local activity under crisis conditions. The need for further field studies to explore the impact of prolonged crisis on union–management relations is stressed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)