Does the ‘organizing model’ represent a credible union renewal strategy?

Abstract

The organizing model of union renewal is a significant influence for many UK unions. This article recognizes that a focus on the organizing model has made it a useful rhetorical device that has reminded individuals of their shared material interests and helped to generate collective efforts amongst diverse interest groups. That being said, a critical examination calls the rationales for adopting the organizing model, and the concepts that underpin it, into question, and suggests that it represents an inadequate solution to problems generated by the diverse identities of unions operating in different contexts. The conclusion calls into question the extent to which the organizing model can maintain its analytical and practical value to the union-renewal debate.