Role conflict experiences of South African shop stewards: An exploratory study

Abstract

This study explored the role conflict experiences of South African shop stewards. Our informants comprised 20 shop stewards who attended face-to-face interviews regarding what motivates them, the challenges they face, and how they cope in their roles. Thematic analysis of the data indicated that the shop stewards were motivated by a sense of workforce citizenship, selflessly helping co-workers, unions, and employers alike. The shop stewards reported experiencing significant psychological distress due to their roles, for which they adopted active coping strategies including self-education, seeking the support of family, and seeking the support from other work-role allies on the job and off the job setting. These findings suggest role conflict experiences of shop stewards to require further study to inform support interventions with them, their unions, and employers.

Keywords:

• role conflict
• role conflict experiences
• shop stewards
• South African shop stewards
• trade unions in South Africa