The Union Makes Us Strong? A Study of the Dynamics of Workplace Union Leadership atTwo UK Manufacturing Plants Anne-marie Greene, John Black and Peter Ackers Abstract This paper draws on qualitative case study evidence to investigate the way in which union leaders involved in two workplace organizations deal with the process of managing their role within the employment relationship. In particular, the influence of their leadership style on the commitment and participation of rank-and-file members is considered. The paper highlights the dialectical relationship between local leaders and members in terms of trade union democracy and local leadership style. 1. Introduction The extent to which unions are affected by changes in the wider environment beyond the workplace can depend on the nature of members' attitudes towards the union. One possible influence on the latter is the nature of the leadership style adopted by union leaders. Here, the term `union leader' refers to the workplace union organization, as distinct from the national union organization, and primarily to the convenors and shop stewards, rather than the lay membership, or `rank-and-file'. A specific focus on union leadership is warranted, as much literature points to the key role of the union leader on membership behaviour and attitude (Barling et al. 1992; Fullagar and Barling 1991; Gallagher and Clark 1989; Nicholson et al. 1980). As Barling et al. point out, in the first place, taking a representative job in the union is seen as the highest form of participation. The union leader also plays an important role in facilitating involvement of the rank- and-file membership, as well as a key role in union±management relations Anne-marie Greene is at the Aston Business School, Aston University. John Black is at the Wolverhampton Business School, University of Wolverhampton. Peter Ackers is at the Loughborough University Business School. British Journal of Industrial Relations 38:1 March 2000 0007±1080 pp. 75±93 # Blackwell Publishers Ltd/London School of Economics 2000. Published by Blackwell Publishers Ltd, 108 Cowley Road, Oxford OX4 1JF, UK and 350 Main Street, Malden, MA 02148, USA.