Exploring the Relationship Between Authoritarianism and Attitudes Toward Unions

This study examines the relationship between authoritarianism and attitudes toward unionism. The present study, using a sample of undergraduate business majors, finds a significant and positive correlation between authoritarianism and anti-union attitudes. This suggests that attitudes toward unions are, to some extent, rooted not in simple economic rationality, rather in rigid and dogmatic thought patterns. The implications for labor/management relations, and for successful programs of employee involvement are discussed.