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Is workplace democracy associated with wider pro-democracy affect? A structural equation model

Author

Listed:
  • Andrew Timming

    (University of Western Australia, Australia)

  • Juliette Summers

    (University of St Andrews, UK)

Abstract

Using structural equation modelling, this article examines the hypothesis that employees can learn about democracy through employee participation in workplace decision-making, thus resulting in more positive attitudes toward democracy in the wider political arena. The research finds that workplace democracy is strongly positively associated with increased interest in politics and wider pro-democracy affect. This result holds true even when controlling for reverse causality and the confounding influence of trade union membership. The article suggests that work can have an important effect on wider governance at the level of the community and the state.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrew Timming & Juliette Summers, 2020. "Is workplace democracy associated with wider pro-democracy affect? A structural equation model," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 41(3), pages 709-726, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ecoind:v:41:y:2020:i:3:p:709-726
    DOI: 10.1177/0143831X17744028
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Johannes Kiess & Andre Schmidt, 2025. "The political spillover of workplace democratization: How democratic efficacy at the workplace contributes to countering right-wing extremist attitudes in Germany," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 46(2), pages 469-495, May.
    3. Annette van den Berg & Yolanda Grift & Arjen van Witteloostuijn & Saraï Sapulete & Martin Behrens & Wolfram Brehmer, 2025. "Opening the black box of works council–management team interaction: Germany and the Netherlands compared," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 46(1), pages 120-151, February.

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