The Role of Unions in South Africa

Collectivism, Unionisation and Union Influence: A decline? An investigation into the attitudes and perceptions of South African unionised employees in a single trade union.

Shenaz Sheik

Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree Masters- Industrial/Organisational Psychology (M.Soc.Sci) School of Psychology University of Kwa-Zulu Natal Howard College

Supervisor: Mr. Dean Isaacs

A decline in collectivism, unionisation and union influence?

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Table of Contents

1. Chapter 1 1.1 Introduction

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2. Chapter 2 2.1 Theoretical Framework- Literature Review 2.1.1 Unitarism 2.1.2 Pluralism 2.1.3 Marxism 2.1.4 Collectivism and Individualism 2.1.5 Neo-liberalism 2.1.6 Unionism

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3. Chapter 3 3.1 Methodology 3.1.1 Introduction 3.1.2 Sampling 3.1.3 Procedure 3.1.4 Methods of data collection 3.1.5 Data Analysis

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4. Chapter 4 4.1 Research Results and Analysis 4.1.1 Theme 1: The meaning of collectivism for participants 4.1.2 Theme 2: The meaning of individualism for participants 4.1.3 Theme 3: The effectiveness of trade unions in organisations: The positive/negative impact of unions in organisations 4.1.4 Theme 4: Level of confidence in trade unions 4.1.5 Theme 5: Level of trust in trade unions

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A decline in collectivism, unionisation and union influence?

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4.1.6 Theme 6: The power of trade unions in enforcing employee rights in an organisation 4.1.7 Theme 7: The degree to which trade unions help resolve disputes with employers 4.1.8 Theme 8: Trade unions‟ impact on South Africa as a whole 4.1.9 Theme 9: Power of trade unions in the organisation 4.1.10 Theme 10: The perception of management with regards to unions in the organisation 4.1.11 Theme 11: Attitudes on new industrial relations practices 4.1.12 Theme 12: Expectations of trade union/s 4.1.13 Theme 13: Fundamental reasons for joining the union 4.1.14 Theme 14: Level of commitment toward trade union 4.1.15 Theme 15: The extent

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