Union-enterprise guanxi and union instrumentality: an empirical study in Taiwan
International Journal of Conflict Management
ISSN: 1044-4068
Article publication date: 5 August 2022
Issue publication date: 6 January 2023
Abstract
Purpose
Because of the interest of enterprises and unions are often conflicting. For unions, how to promote union instrumentality is a critical issue. This study aims to apply the resource dependence theory to examine the role of cooperative approach to conflict in the relationship between union–enterprise guanxi and union instrumentality under the moderation of union leader humility.
Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire survey was undertaken to collect data from enterprise human resource (HR) manager and union stewards in Taiwanese firms using a dyadic approach. Hierarchical regression analysis and bootstrapping with a mediation model and moderated-mediation model were used to test the hypotheses.
Findings
The results show that cooperative approach to conflict is a prominent mediator between union–enterprise guanxi and union instrumentality, while union leader humility strengthens the positive association between cooperative approach to conflict and union instrumentality. Moderated-mediation analysis further demonstrates that the influence of the cooperative approach to conflict is stronger when there is a higher level of union leader humility.
Originality/value
The study offers an integrated picture about how union–enterprise social relationships promote union instrumentality.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors thank the editor-in-chief and 3 anonymous reviewers for their insightful comments and suggestions. The authors are also grateful to Editor-in-Chief, Richard A Posthuma, for his assistance and encouragement.
The corresponding author is also grateful to his family, 郭邦守, 郭梁錦秀, 郭雯樺,楊佩婷, for their support and warmth.
Citation
Guo, J.-B., Lin, H.-C. and Wang, Y.-H. (2023), "Union-enterprise guanxi and union instrumentality: an empirical study in Taiwan", International Journal of Conflict Management, Vol. 34 No. 1, pp. 56-79. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCMA-10-2021-0164
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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