ABSTRACT
This chapter examines ideational power resources and shows how these are under-utilised yet powerful analytical tools. It focuses primarily on how unions can use ideation as a power resource, and also considers how other actors, such as employers and the state, utilise ideation to limit the power and influence of unions. The chapter begins by exploring the concepts of ideational power and ideational power resources. It then identifies and discusses several distinct ideational power resources before examining the relationship between ideational power and other power resources. Finally, the chapter considers the roles of identity – including race, gender, and sexuality – and interests and how these relate to ideational power.
