Membership Orientation and Socialization

Member Member Orientation Orientation

and and SocializationSocialization

1Jim Walker - LS 13

Key PointsKey Points

First Impressions shape attitude toward First Impressions shape attitude toward unionunion

Unions can build union loyalty and Unions can build union loyalty and commitmentcommitment

Orientation Program quality importantOrientation Program quality important

Information distribution necessary Information distribution necessary componentcomponent

Jim Walker - LS 132

First ImpressionsFirst Impressions

Assumption that first impressions are Assumption that first impressions are importantimportant

Unions can benefit from first impressionsUnions can benefit from first impressions

Studies support as fact that first Studies support as fact that first impressions matterimpressions matter

First impressions and early experiences First impressions and early experiences impact attitudeimpact attitude

Jim Walker - LS 133

Union SocializationUnion Socialization

Socialization Period with unionSocialization Period with union

Period to pass on goals, values, customs Period to pass on goals, values, customs

Important time to make first impressionImportant time to make first impression

Time period with considerable influenceTime period with considerable influence

More positive experience shapes attitudeMore positive experience shapes attitude

Jim Walker - LS 134

Formal SocializationFormal Socialization

Organized and structured group activity Organized and structured group activity

Activity pursues individual loyalty and Activity pursues individual loyalty and commitmentcommitment

Provide Instruction about rules and Provide Instruction about rules and proceduresprocedures

Present Information about formal group Present Information about formal group expectationsexpectations

Jim Walker - LS 135

Informal SocializationInformal Socialization

Less StructuredLess Structured

SpontaneousSpontaneous

Different for each memberDifferent for each member

Conveys expectationsConveys expectations

Customs, traditions, practices Customs, traditions, practices

Jim Walker - LS 136

Union Socialization Union Socialization ResearchResearch

Informal experience and commitmentInformal experience and commitment

More positive results in greater commitmentMore positive results in greater commitment

Frequency and intensity of positive Frequency and intensity of positive experienceexperience

Supplemented by positive formal activitiesSupplemented by positive formal activities

Formal and informal process maximize Formal and informal process maximize member commitment member commitment

Jim Walker - LS 137

Early Childhood ExposureEarly Childhood Exposure

Youthful exposure to unionsYouthful exposure to unions

More likely to support union as an adultMore likely to support union as an adult

Youthful non-exposure to unionsYouthful non-exposure to unions

Less likely to support union as an adultLess likely to support union as an adult

Union members encouraged to educate Union members encouraged to educate their childrentheir children

Jim Walker - LS 138

New Member OrientationNew Member Orientation

First opportunity to influence opinion of First opportunity to influence opinion of unionunion

Union make case in early stage of Union make case in early stage of employmentemployment

Do not let company define unionDo not let company define union Assert the role of unionAssert the role of union Orientation most important mechanismOrientation most important mechanism Seek membership, loyalty and commitment.Seek membership, loyalty and commitment.

Jim Walker - LS 139

Orientation ExperienceOrientation Experience

Orient new employee earlierOrient new employee earlier

Location Location

Experience should be formalExperience should be formal

Orientation qualityOrientation quality

Provide relevant informationProvide relevant information

Choose the right presentersChoose the right presenters

Jim Walker - LS 1310

Orientation ProgramOrientation Program

Officer introductionOfficer introduction History of unionHistory of union Union structureUnion structure Contractual rights and benefitsContractual rights and benefits Probationary StatusProbationary Status Workplace IssuesWorkplace Issues


Welcome KitWelcome Kit

New members appreciate relevant New members appreciate relevant publicationspublications

Reinforces verbal presentationReinforces verbal presentation

May include contract, bylaws, contact May include contract, bylaws, contact info, servicesinfo, services

Promotional DVD Promotional DVD


Orientation Closure Orientation Closure

Arrange Follow up orientation meetingArrange Follow up orientation meeting

Present small token or giftPresent small token or gift

Present t-shirt, bumper stickerPresent t-shirt, bumper sticker

Seek union membershipSeek union membership

Do not overstate what can be delivered.Do not overstate what can be delivered.


First Union MeetingFirst Union Meeting

Invite new member to meetingInvite new member to meeting

Send a written invitation Send a written invitation

Assign an escort - offer to pick up and driveAssign an escort - offer to pick up and drive

Consider a dining experience Consider a dining experience

Introduce new member at union meetingIntroduce new member at union meeting

Conduct swearing-in ceremonyConduct swearing-in ceremony


Informal SocializationInformal Socialization

Impact of steward interactionImpact of steward interaction

Create procedures for new member Create procedures for new member contactcontact

Ongoing new member contactOngoing new member contact

Establish a mentor systemEstablish a mentor system


Mentor RoleMentor Role

Create a checklist of activityCreate a checklist of activity

Meet with the member once per dayMeet with the member once per day

Answer questionsAnswer questions

Introduce new member to othersIntroduce new member to others

Escort new member to union meetingEscort new member to union meeting

Discuss union in a positive lightDiscuss union in a positive light


Education

Membership Orientation and Socialization