Exploring the Differences Between Regulatory Bodies, Professional Associations, and Trade Unions: An Integrative Review

This article presents an integrative literature review to identify and assess how regulatory bodies, professional associations, and trade union organizations differ and interact. A small number of studies, from across a diverse range of disciplines, have researched this topic. Nine studies were analyzed, resulting in the identification of 16 themes and their associated characteristics. Although these three organizational types may share some overarching ambitions, the perspectives taken in achieving these ambitions are often different, as is the ultimate or primary beneficiary of the actions. Further research is needed to validate these findings and to explore which of the various themes have the greatest impact on achieving organizational goals and avoiding tensions, conflict, and bias.