Trade union activism: The characteristics associated with becoming and remaining a shop steward

The paper investigates the motivation and experiences of shop steward office holders in a general union in the Republic of Ireland. Two approaches examining the differences between office-holders and non-office-holders are explored, one that is predominantly concerned with the variation in psychological and personal characteristics, needs, and attitudes of individuals, and a second that emphasizes the importance of social processes in the workplace. The results of the research suggest that the former approach provides only a partial explanation of the differences. Results indicate that where there are differences between office-holders and non-office-holders it is a result of union-related attitudes and values, which are in turn affected by a number of independent variables. Such salient factors as the existing shop steward organization in the workplace, the attitude of management to trade unions, the level of support from union members, and the union organization were also found to be important aspects which encourage or discourage potential candidates for the shop steward position. The level of satisfaction in the position expressed by a majority of the stewards and the stability of tenure would seem to indicate the existence of a supportive union organization and favorable management attitudes.