The unheeded female voice: a study of the formal union participation of female academics in Sri Lankan state universities

Abstract

Gender is assumed to have an impact on workers' perceptions and experiences of trade unions, which influences their propensity to join and participate in its activities. Females record a low level of union participation in Sri Lanka, regardless of narrow gender gaps in the workforce in most sectors. The Federation of University Teachers' Associations (FUTA) has witnessed a similar pattern with a low rate of female participation since its inception. Although consisting of a majority of females, FUTA displays a lack of active female participation, especially at the executive level, which is considered formal union participation. To address this gendered issue and an endorsed gap in the union participation literature, this research focuses on the study of union commitment and formal union participation of female lecturers in state universities, through the mediating impact of perceived union support. A quantitative research study was designed to examine this relationship in the realm of positivism. Data was collected from 250 female lecturers of state universities in the western province, and statistical analysis was done via SPSS while the mediation was tested using PROCESS Macro after ensuring the scales' reliability and validity. The findings illustrate a strongly positive relationship between union commitment and formal union participation with the partial mediation of perceived union support in the union participation of females in FUTA. Thus, it was found that union commitment is directly and positively related to the formal union participation of females in FUTA, and that the participation of females in the trade union activities can be motivated when FUTA members act supportive towards female academics. Further, the socio-politico-economic background in the country has strengthened the relationship between the variables. The study encourages union commitment research related to other settings and work regarding behavioral attitudes, socialization, and perceptions.