Why do professional associations change their strategies? Transformation and adaptability in Greek shipowners’ collective representation after the fall of the Greek military dictatorship

Abstract

The 1970s was a decade when societies, especially in Europe, demanded more extroversion, transparency and social responsibility from state and private organisations. In this context, the Greek shipowning community's strategic shift and willingness to cooperate with the state and trade unions in Greece reflected the collaborative spirit that prevailed globally at that time. This study aims to examine the reasons behind this negative sentiment expressed by the post-dictatorship Greek political system and the Athenian press, its impact on the collective representation bodies of Greek shipowners and the strategy the Union of Greek Shipowners chose to adopt in order to turn the tide.