The Role of Workplace Empowerment in Mediating the Relationship Between Trade Union Strength and Job Satisfaction among Employees: A Narrative Review

This study explores the impact of trade union strength on employee job satisfaction, specifically examining the mediating role of workplace empowerment. The problem lies in the limited understanding of how trade unions influence employee satisfaction and the mechanisms that drive this relationship. While previous research has established links between union membership and job satisfaction, the role of workplace empowerment as a mediator remains underexplored. The aim of this study is to address this gap by developing a theoretical framework that connects trade union strength, workplace empowerment, and job satisfaction. The research adopts a narrative review methodology, collecting data through the Scopus database and analyzing existing literature using an integrative thematic analysis approach. The findings reveal that stronger trade unions lead to higher levels of employee empowerment, which, in turn, enhances job satisfaction. Additionally, workplace empowerment is identified as a crucial mediator in the relationship between union strength and job satisfaction. The study has theoretical implications by extending our understanding of the mechanisms through which unions influence employee well-being, and practical implications for organizations seeking to improve job satisfaction by strengthening unions and fostering workplace empowerment. The study also highlights the need for further research across diverse sectors and regions to validate these findings and explore other potential mediators.