Final answer:
Union instrumentality refers to the perception of employees that the union helps them achieve desired outcomes like higher wages, and it is true. Unions play a role in enhancing worker productivity through wage increases, reduced turnover costs, and offering job training. They also balance short- and long-term worker interests, including technological adaptation for economic growth.
Step-by-step explanation:
Union instrumentality is indeed a concept suggesting that employees see the union as a means to achieve certain favorable outcomes, which can include higher wages, job security, and better working conditions. This is true because when employees believe that the union effectively represents their interests, they are more likely to perceive a direct link between union activities and the benefits they receive, such as increased wages or improved job training.
Unions strive to negotiate better terms of employment for their members, and they can be a contributing factor in creating environments where union workers have higher productivity as compared with nonunion workers. High wages, which are often a result of union negotiations, can incentivize workers to increase productivity. In addition, longevity at a job can lead to reduced employer costs for hiring and training, as experienced workers need less instruction and can be more efficient at their tasks. Furthermore, union-led job training and apprenticeship programs often enhance worker skills, adding to overall productivity and technological adoption.
Despite some criticism aimed at unions for short-term approaches or resistance to technological changes, unions have also facilitated the introduction of new technologies and have contributed to economic growth by ensuring that workers are prepared to thrive in technologically advanced environments.