Two dimensions of union commitment based on the theory of reasoned action: cross-cultural comparisons

Following Friedman and Harvey’s (1986) call for additional theory development of the union commitment construct, this study applies the theory of reasoned action (Ajzen & Fishbein, 1980; Fishbein & Ajzen, 1975) to the study of union commitment. The theory is tested using questionnaire data from diverse samples of 1,914 professional union members from Sweden and 1,088 blue collar union members from the United States of America. Confirmatory factor analysis results of LISREL 7 indicate support for the two dimensions of union commitment posited by the theory: Union Attitudes and Opinions, and Pro-Union Behavioural Intentions. The construct validity of the dimensions is demonstrated through correlational data. The similarity of results across the diverse samples provides evidence of cross-cultural generalisability of the dimensions, and suggests support for the application of the theory of reasoned action to union commitment research.