Date of Award
Fall 1999
Document Type
Dissertation - Restricted
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Education
First Advisor
Cepelka, Angeline
Second Advisor
Augenstein, John
Third Advisor
Riordan, Timothy
Abstract
This dissertation examines the unionization of faculty at one private, church-related university during the period of 1974 to 1988. Unionization at private universities is uncommon and more rare is the type of union model that this faculty adopted. The key question in this research was, "What were the issues that caused the faculty to adopt a corporate-industrial union model at a previously collegial, private, church-related university?" This question was researched using the case study methodology blending the historical approach and written materials with personal interviews of those who were present before the unionization activity began and concluded with those who were present when the controversy and conflict between faculty and administration subsided at the end of 1988. The significance of the study can be found in the process that led to the unionization of the faculty at this university and the length and intensity of the conflict between the administration and faculty. The roles and actions of administration and faculty in university management was questioned not only from an operating perspective but also within the context of the university's mission statement and the church's teaching on social justice which spoke of worker's rights and just work place conditions. The research concluded by examining how administration and faculty viewed the church's social teaching and its application to this case. Another issue pertained to possible unionization efforts among similar universities. While this case had many unique elements that encouraged and supported this particular union "model" at this university, this study examined the role of administration, faculty, and the church in university management.