Final answer:
Countries with a higher percentage of unionized workers do not consistently show less economic growth due to union activities such as strikes. Unions can have diverse effects on firms, and any costs might be counterbalanced by social benefits like improved wages and working conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student asked whether countries with a higher percentage of unionized workers usually have less growth in productivity because of strikes and other disruptions caused by the unions. The answer to this question is that there is no clear evidence to support the notion that countries with a higher percentage of unionized workers experience more or less economic growth solely due to union activity, such as strikes. In fact, unions can have varying effects on different firms and industries. While some may argue that unions cause disruptions that could lead to a company's bankruptcy, others have found that unions can help firms become more competitive. Additionally, on a broader scale, the social benefits provided by unions, like better working conditions and wages, may counterbalance any costs associated with decreased productivity due to strikes or other disruptions.
From a social point of view, the impact of unions on economic growth appears to be neutral, implying that other factors play a more significant role in influencing a country's productivity growth rather than the level of unionization. Understanding the complex dynamics between union activities and economic performance requires considering various factors, including industry-specific conditions, labor market regulations, and general economic policies.