Determinants of Faculty Voting Behavior in Union Representation Elections: A Multivariate Model

Abstract

A model of faculty unionism that integrates a diverse set of factors representing various perspectives on voting behavior in unionization drives was developed. This model was then tested using data obtained from faculty in three institutions of higher education simultaneously undergoing collective bargaining elections. The study results suggest that work context, socio-political beliefs, general attitudes toward unions, perceptions of union instrumentality at one’s own workplace, and pay are strong determinants of faculty voting behavior. Union instrumentality perception was the single largest determinant of the vote. The model had strong predictive power.