A Confirmatory Factor Analysis of Union Commitment in Australia

Abstract

This paper evaluates the applicability of the different factor structures of union commitment identified in previous studies to the Australian case. Confirmatory factor analysis results using LISREL VII suggest that union commitment is best represented by four distinct factors, ‘union loyalty ’, ‘responsibility to the union’, ‘willingness to work for the union’, and ‘belief in unionism’ in this sample of Australian workers. OLS regression results indicate that the four factors are differentially related to a set of common predictor variables. White-collar workers reported higher levels of commitment than blue-collar workers. Participation in leadership positions and previous experience with union handling of grievances significantly increased commitment to the union. The results suggest support for the generalizability of the factor structure of union commitment to Australia. Implications for future research are discussed.