The psychological, biographical, and attitudinal characteristics that distinguish between rank and file union members and shop stewards in Ireland, and the social processes by which they become stewards, are explored. The survey and interviews on which the analysis is based are drawn from a sample of members of the Irish Transport and General Workers Union, which is a geographically dispersed general union. The research was conducted in Drogheda and Dundalk, 2 medium-sized towns in the Irish Republic. The results indicate that, where there are differences between office and non-office holders, it is a result of union-related attitudes and values, which are in turn affected by a number of independent variables. Few stewards were initially motivated to take on the job of shop steward, which emphasizes the importance of factors in the workplace that encouraged these reluctant members to accept the position, as well as particular personal characteristics and attitudes to unions that predispose them to become stewards.