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Factors influencing union effectiveness in the public service in Zambia: Associations and mediating effect

Author

Listed:
  • Grayson Koyi
  • Juvenalis M Tembo
  • Chanda M Sichinsambwe

Abstract

The article investigates how environmental and organisational factors may affect union effectiveness in a developing country context. Based on a perceptions survey of union members in the Zambian public service sector, the article uses principal components analysis, correlation, multiple linear regression and mediation analyses to examine relationships between environmental and organisational factors and union effectiveness. Results suggest that labour and product markets and mass media are significant environmental factors influencing union effectiveness. At the organisational level, results suggest that organisational strategies, leadership accountability, innovations and administrative and democratic structuring are significant factors that positively influence union effectiveness. Results also suggest that organisational factors mediate the link between environmental factors and union effectiveness. In this sense, the article provides a striking demonstration of the importance of a strong internal state for the union organisation in mediating the influence of the external environment on the union’s goal of advancing and defending workers’ interests.

Suggested Citation

  • Grayson Koyi & Juvenalis M Tembo & Chanda M Sichinsambwe, 2021. "Factors influencing union effectiveness in the public service in Zambia: Associations and mediating effect," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 42(3), pages 504-530, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ecoind:v:42:y:2021:i:3:p:504-530
    DOI: 10.1177/0143831X18780334
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Adilah Othman & Mohd Saad Mohd Yusoff & Siti Noor Aishah Mohd Sidik, 2025. "Determinants of Trade Union Effectiveness Among Plantation Workers in Malaysia: A Conceptual Study," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 9(9), pages 5688-5693, September.

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