The Effects of Normative Influence on Union Loyalty: A Regional Comparison

A hypothesized positive relationship between normative influence & union loyalty is shown to be supported by data for 2 separate (union) locals of a national tire & rubber manufacturing comparing in the US. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis, conducted with union loyalty as the dependent variable, indicates that through affective bonding with union leaders, normative attachments arise & contribute to normative conformity to the attitudes & values of the union. Regional differences indicate that measures of normative commitment should be contextually relevant & carefully operationalized. Future research should compare the Japanese & Western industrial relations systems on normative influence & union loyalty. 2 Tables, 23 References.