Using the case study method to examine the implications of public sector reform for public sector unions.

Abstract

Several decisions were made in the process of conducting this research. First, I had to state the research problem. The research focused on public sector reform and its implications for public sector unions in Zambia. Second, a decision was made on the research approach. The qualitative approach was adopted so as to understand the effects of public sector reforms on trade unions. Third, I selected the case study method to allow me to collect detailed information on the behavior of a particular union within the context of public sector reform. The union that was selected is the Civil Servants and Allied Workers Union of Zambia. The Civil Servants and Allied Workers Union of Zambia was selected because of its unique characteristics. It was the largest public sector union in Zambia when the first reform programs were implemented. It was also the only union that could be seen responding strategically to the reform of the public sector. Fourth, I had to identify the sources of data. These included documents, union leaders, and managers of public institutions. A combination of multistage, purposive, and snowball sampling methods was used to select the participants. This approach to sampling was adopted because the target population was somewhat hidden. I also faced the problem of some potential participants refusing to participate in the research. Such potential participants were replaced with those willing to participate. Through the case study method, insights were gained into the effects of public sector reforms on the Civil Servants and Allied Workers Union of Zambia and how the union responded to the same reforms