Affiliation:
1. University of New Brunswick Saint John Saint John New Brunswick Canada
2. School of Labor and Employment Relations Univeristy of Illinois Urbana‐Champaign Urbana Illinois USA
3. School of Management University of Quebec in Montreal Montreal Quebec Canada
4. Sprott School of Business Carleton University Ottawa Ontario Canada
Abstract
AbstractIdentifying 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.