Voter Behavior in Union Certification Elections: A Longitudinal Study

Abstract

This study assessed the relations among social pressures favoring unions, job satisfaction, perceptions of union instrumentality, and individuals'voter behavior using covariance structure analysis. Job satisfaction and union instrumentality were measured prior to and following union certification elections. Results indicate social pressure was the strongest predictor of voter behavior, having a direct effect as well as mediated effects through satisfaction and commitment. Only voter behavior directly affected satisfaction and commitment after elections, suggesting significant cognitive readjustment took place among individuals.