Drivkrafter och strategier för fackligt engagemang - betydelsen av autonomi, kompetens och samhörighet för förtroendevalda och fackförbund

Abstract

This study looks at what motivates people to take on union roles in Sweden and how unions work to encourage such involvement. Our research is particularly relevant as Sweden has seen a significant decline in the number of union representatives over time. Using Self-Determination Theory, we explore how autonomy, competence, and relatedness affect motivation. Through interviews with seven people, four union staff members and three former representatives, we found that people join unions mainly to support shared values and make positive changes, not for rewards. Having real influence greatly increases motivation, while lack of time and lean workplaces are major obstacles. Unions focus on building skills through training but don't provide enough support for members autonomy and relatedness, even though this is vital for lasting engagement. Diminished power resources in the Swedish labor market through declining union density, more insecure employment forms, individualized wage systems, and weakened collective bargaining structures directly impact members' motivation by limiting their experience of autonomy in their roles. This research helps explain why fewer people are taking union roles in Sweden today and suggests how unions might better address members' basic needs in today's changing work environment.