Intra-professional relationship, unionism, commitment and membership behaviour in professional associations: the stand of health records professionals in Nigeria
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Membership behaviour and commitment to professional associations and trade unions is a function of a number of factors, which could make or mar the quality of intra-professional relationship, viability of trade unionism and cohesion of professional associations. In the light of this, this review sought to discuss the relationship between intra-professional relationship, unionism, commitment and membership behaviour in professional associations with health records and information management in focus. Methods/Design: The study provides an insight into the concepts of intra-professional relationship, unionism, professional commitment and membership behaviours through a review of related literature and sharing of observations and opinions based on personal experiences as leaders in professional association; Association of Health Records and Information Management Practitioners of Nigeria (AHRIMPN) and trade unionism; Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI) in the Nigerian health care industry. Literature search was done using Google Scholar. Result: The review shows that intra-professional relationship could be enhanced if influencing factors such as mutual respect and effective collaboration is promoted. Trade unions’ and professional associations’ leadership, on the other hand, must provide membership centred leadership to elicit favourable membership behaviour and commitment. Conclusion: There is a need for professional associations such as AHRIMPN, to promote cultures, qualities and ethics that encourage intraprofessional collaboration and discourage intra- and inter-professional conflicts. Besides, leadership, both at associations or unions level, must be members-oriented, members-driven and members-centred in order to achieve requisite commitment and positive members’ behaviour.
