Trade Union Participation in Malaysia: Drivers of Acceptance and Rejection Among Public Servants

  • Authors

    • Muhamad Khalil Omar Faculty of Business and Management, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Cawangan Selangor, Kampus Puncak Alam, 42300 Bandar Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
    • Azrie Azeh Unit Pengurusan Bakat, Jabatan Pendidikan Negeri Terengganu, 20604 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
    • Mohammad Bastyian Mahmud Faculty of Administrative Science and Policy Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Cawangan Negeri Sembilan, Kampus Seremban, 70300 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
    • Ainur Shahriyah Md Sa’id Sektor Pengurusan, Pejabat Pendidikan Daerah Batu Pahat, 83000 Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia
    • Mazri Mamat Pusat Latihan Teknologi Tinggi (ADTEC) Kemaman, Jabatan Tenaga Manusia, Payoh, 24210 Kemasik, Terengganu, Malaysia
    • Siti Nurfaeidz Ramli Jabatan Integriti dan Pematuhan Standard, Ibu Pejabat Polis Kontinjen Terengganu, 20918 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
    • Normah Puasa Setiausaha Kerajaan Negeri Selangor, Unit Perancang Ekonomi Negeri (UPEN), 40503 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
    https://doi.org/10.14419/0bkv2h92

    Received date: June 2, 2025

    Accepted date: June 23, 2025

    Published date: June 27, 2025

  • Trade unions, public servants, union membership, acceptance factors, rejection factors, Malaysia

  • Abstract

    This study examines the determinants affecting Malaysian public officials' choices to join or decline trade union membership, emphasizing both behavioral and economic aspects. Notwithstanding legal safeguards provided by the Trade Union Act 1959, union engagement in the public sector remains minimal, prompting apprehensions regarding labor representation and the efficacy of collective bargaining. This research used a sequential exploratory mixed-methods methodology, grounded in social exchange theory and enhanced by labor economics perspectives. The qualitative phase comprised focus group discussions with both union and non-union members, and the quantitative phase involved a poll of 1,382 civil servants throughout Malaysia. Research indicates that leadership credibility and concrete welfare advantages are the primary factors influencing union adoption, but perceived inefficiency and the lack of visibility of benefits substantially hinder involvement. Regression models reveal that union leadership and employer influence are the most significant drivers of membership ambitions. The rejection model accounts for only a small portion of the variance, indicating the presence of more profound structural or perceptual challenges. The research underscores the necessity for transparent financial governance, aggressive recruitment techniques, and enhanced institutional coordination to rejuvenate union significance. These ideas possess practical qualifications for trade union leaders and policymakers in improving public sector labor relations via organizational and fiscal reforms.

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  • How to Cite

    Omar , M. K. ., Azeh , A. ., Mahmud , M. B. ., Md Sa’id , A. S. ., Mamat , M. ., Ramli , S. N. ., & Puasa , N. . (2025). Trade Union Participation in Malaysia: Drivers of Acceptance and Rejection Among Public Servants. International Journal of Accounting and Economics Studies, 12(2), 292-296. https://doi.org/10.14419/0bkv2h92