A comparison of the effectiveness of unions and non-union works councils in Korea: Can non-union employee representation substitute for trade unionism?

Using survey data from 857 employees of three unionized and three non-union establishments in Korea, this study compares the effectiveness of unions and non-union employee representation (NER). Union members appear to expect more from and to be more satisfied with unions than is the case for non-union employees regarding the activities of non-union works councils. This tendency is stronger in regard to distributive and employee advocacy issues than to mutual interest issues. Union members express stronger commitment to their unions than do non-union employees to their works councils. However, union members and works council members are not significantly different in terms of organizational commitment, job satisfaction and perceived industrial relations climate. Overall, the findings indicate that the structural weaknesses of NER are more evident than its positive attitudinal effects.