The Concept of Intra-Union Conflict
Introduction
The concept of intra-union conflict is not much different from that of intra-group or intra-organizational conflict. However, before we delve into that argument, it is essential that we consider an authoritative view of the subject matter from the International Labour Organization (ILO).
The ILO (2006) states that ‘Conflicts within the trade union movement’ is “A matter involving no dispute between the government and the trade unions, but which involves a conflict within the trade union movement itself, is the sole responsibility of the parties themselves.” This definition implies that trade unions like most other social organizations are prone to internal disputes and struggles. This is so because, as an ‘organization of workers’, unions ultimately exhibit the same group dynamics as that of any other social group in the society. To appreciate this stance, let’s consider a couple of definitions of both a trade union as well as an organization from some authors and web resources:
Sydney and Beatrice Webb (1897) defined a trade union as “a continuous association of wage earners for the purpose of maintaining and improving the conditions of their working lives”. Otobo (2005) explains that this definition among other things highlights the relative permanency of organization. Also, according to Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia, “A trade union (or labor/labour union) is an organization of workers who have banded together to achieve common goals like better working conditions ...” Wikipedia Further defines an organization as “…a social arrangement which pursues collective goals, controls its own performance, and has a boundary separating it from its environment. ...” By linking the above definitions, one may see that a union as a combination of workers for the welfare of workers is basically nothing more than an organization and as such, expected to exhibit common organizational traits including of course, intra-group conflict.
Having
The concept of intra-union conflict is not much different from that of intra-group or intra-organizational conflict. However, before we delve into that argument, it is essential that we consider an authoritative view of the subject matter from the International Labour Organization (ILO).
The ILO (2006) states that ‘Conflicts within the trade union movement’ is “A matter involving no dispute between the government and the trade unions, but which involves a conflict within the trade union movement itself, is the sole responsibility of the parties themselves.” This definition implies that trade unions like most other social organizations are prone to internal disputes and struggles. This is so because, as an ‘organization of workers’, unions ultimately exhibit the same group dynamics as that of any other social group in the society. To appreciate this stance, let’s consider a couple of definitions of both a trade union as well as an organization from some authors and web resources:
Sydney and Beatrice Webb (1897) defined a trade union as “a continuous association of wage earners for the purpose of maintaining and improving the conditions of their working lives”. Otobo (2005) explains that this definition among other things highlights the relative permanency of organization. Also, according to Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia, “A trade union (or labor/labour union) is an organization of workers who have banded together to achieve common goals like better working conditions ...” Wikipedia Further defines an organization as “…a social arrangement which pursues collective goals, controls its own performance, and has a boundary separating it from its environment. ...” By linking the above definitions, one may see that a union as a combination of workers for the welfare of workers is basically nothing more than an organization and as such, expected to exhibit common organizational traits including of course, intra-group conflict.
Having
References: 2. Otebo, Dafe: Industrial Relations: theories & controversies. Malthouse Press Ltd, 2005 3. Fashoyin, Tayo: Industrial relations in Nigeria 8. Wahlig, Hannah T., eHow Contributor: Definition of Intragroup Conflict. updated June 29, 2010, www.ehow.com. 9. Feral, Zach, eHow Contributor: Three Levels of Conflict. updated September 30, 2010, www.ehow.com 10. Krish, ?: Organisational Conflict – The Dysfunctional Perspective of Intra-group Conflict : www.businessandjobs.com October 28th, 2009.