Unveiling the Effectiveness of Unions: A Study from the Perspective of Union Members

Trade unions play a significant role in protecting the rights and interests of their members through their representation in bargaining sessions. This article aims to investigate how organisational factors influence union effectiveness in the context of a developing country. Drawing Malaysia as a case study, the article employs a quantitative research method using the survey. The questionnaire was distributed online. The data is analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlational and Regression analysis to examine the relationships between organisational factors and union effectiveness. The findings revealed that all the factors employed, such as union strength, union leadership, union contribution, union communication, and employer attitude, significantly influence the union’s effectiveness. In addition, the regression analysis results show that union communication is the strongest predictor of the union’s effectiveness. This study enriches the literature on trade unions in developing countries and is an input to unions in designing a more practical approach to obtaining membership. The study underscores the crucial role of a robust union organisation in advancing and defending workers’ interests, particularly in the public and private sectors. The findings have direct implications, highlighting the potential for increased relevance of unionised establishments. This practical insight further underscores the importance of the study’s findings in the real world, emphasising the direct and immediate benefits it can bring to the design and strategies of trade unions in developing countries.