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Trade union influence on innovation in the British private sector: Direct and indirect paths

Wang, Wen; Heyes, Jason; Seifert, Roger

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Authors

Wen Wang

Jason Heyes

Roger Seifert



Abstract

This article examines relationships between trade unions and firms' innovation activity. Drawing on nationally representative data covering 1,384 firms in the UK, the article employs probit analysis to estimate the effect of trade union representation at the workplace on different types of innovation. The findings show significant and positive correlations between trade union representation and the introduction of new processes and new methods of marketing. The study also found a positive and moderately significant indirect effect on innovation arising from union influence on training provision and employee involvement practices. In addition, when unions are associated with shaping long-term oriented staffing practices, the positive indirect effects are strengthened.

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Apr 10, 2022
Online Publication Date Apr 10, 2022
Publication Date Apr 10, 2022
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal Economic and Industrial Democracy
Print ISSN 0143-831X
Electronic ISSN 1461-7099
Publisher SAGE Publications
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 44
Issue 2
DOI https://doi.org/10.1177/0143831x221086015
Keywords Employee involvement, innovation, job security, trade unions, training, UK
Publisher URL https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0143831X221086015

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