Uncovering 21st century skills for trade union leaders in Malta

Abstract

The aim of this dissertation is to address the research limitations found in the pertinent literature on what are the skills required for Trade Union leaders to lead a Maltese Trade Union in the 21st Century. Consequently, this leads to a discussion on two major areas: to primarily determine the essential skills that are vital for a modern Trade Union leader to be successful, and consequently to determine the degree to which such skills are sensed among targeted trade unionists in Malta. Towards this purpose, eight interviews with Maltese Trade Union leaders were carried out and analysed using Thematic Analysis (Braun and Clarke, 2006). This qualitative study is not based on one particular theory; however, its foundations are based on Northouse’s definition of skills, where he describes them as “the ability to use one’s knowledge and competencies to accomplish a set of goals or objectives” (Northouse, 2013, p. 44). The interviewees were free to share their experiences as far as they felt comfortable. From the data collected, the researcher could then find a definition of the term Trade Union leader and how to become one, whilst the role and challenges of Trade Unions were also portrayed. Ultimately, these findings reveal the essential skills and abilities that shape a Maltese Trade Union leader and give a better understanding on who best fits the role today.