Business Commons^™

"No Pay, No Ras": Resident Assistant Unionization Amidst University Backlash, Justin Weller

Journal of Collective Bargaining in the Academy

While resident assistant (RA) unions have existed in the United States for over 20 years, RA unionization has accelerated on college campuses in recent years. This article explores the institutional responses to RA unionization through a distributive justice framework. I argue unionization aligns with the distributive justice framework and union-busting strategies do not align. I provide practical recommendations for institutions to align their practices with the National Labor Relations Act and relevant jurisprudence. Implications include a need to study RAs’ experiences in unionization and a continued focus on the ongoing legal challenges that may impact future unionization.

The Limits Of Law: Lessons For Collective Bargaining, Eric J. Scarffe, Daniel Saunders

Journal of Collective Bargaining in the Academy

This paper elucidates some features of law that generally go overlooked in collective bargaining. Using examples from collective bargaining agreements at universities in Florida, we unearth how assumptions about the nature of law (championed by the conservative legal movement) may undermine the ability for unions to influence the material working conditions at their universities. We believe negotiators need to reject these assumptions, and embrace an approach to ‘bargaining as pedagogy,’ which emphasizes the need for faculty and administrators alike to arrive at shared understandings of what the law means (be it the collective bargaining agreement, university policy, or state statute).

How Do Collective Agreements Stack Up? Implications For Academic Freedom, Tim Ribaric, Rahul Kumar

Journal of Collective Bargaining in the Academy

Abstract Academic freedom, a cornerstone of higher education, is formally codified within the enforceable language of collective agreements (CAs) between universities and faculty unions in Canada. While the Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) provides an exemplar framework for academic freedom clauses, institutional interpretations and implementations vary significantly. This study comprehensively analyzed CAs from 44 Canadian universities using computational text analysis methods, specifically Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) and Term Frequency-Inverse Document Frequency (TF-IDF). The analysis revealed that approximately 27% of institutions closely align with the CAUT exemplar, while 57% incorporate additional limiting factors that qualify the exercise of academic freedom. …

A Beautiful Mind Meets Harsh Reality: Practical Tips For Negotiators When Bargaining Strays From Ideal Conditions, Christopher C. Douglas, Ellen Grachek, Allyson Strickland, Marie Waung

Journal of Collective Bargaining in the Academy

Bilateral bargaining theory developed by mathematician and Nobel Laureate John Nash predicts that when both parties have full information, a deal is quickly reached without a strike. Such a situation represents ideal conditions, which the real world does not match. However, Nash Bargaining presents a useful baseline for bargaining teams. We discuss deviations from ideal conditions that bargaining teams are likely to face and tactics for overcoming them with the goal of reaching an agreement while avoiding a strike. This paper’s focus draws from our experience negotiating a contract for non-tenure track faculty across the three University of Michigan campuses, …

Faculty Views About Their Covid-19 Layoffs From A Public University In The Us Midwest, Susan E. Ramlo

Journal of Collective Bargaining in the Academy

In July 2020, a public university in the US Midwest announced it would lay off 96 bargaining unit faculty based on a force majeure clause in the union contract. Most of the faculty held tenure and some were distinguished professors. The layoffs occurred with no faculty input and immediately following a major university reorganization. This study uses Q methodology [Q] to examine the Perceived Organizational Support [POS] of these laid off unionized faculty within an agency theory framework. Q allows us to reveal and describe the divergent views of the laid off faculty based upon analyses of their sorts of …

Who Benefits From A Faculty Union During A Pandemic?, Mary Ellen Benedict, David Mcclough, John Hoag

Journal of Collective Bargaining in the Academy

This paper examines the effect of unions on instructional staffing at public institutions during the pandemic. Using IPEDS data for 2018-2021, we find that tenured faculty benefited from a union while tenure track and non-tenure track faculty were unaffected.

Jcba's Origins, Evolution, & Future, Gary Rhoades, Karen Stubaus

Journal of Collective Bargaining in the Academy

This article traces the origins and history of the Journal of Collective Bargaining in the Academy, and celebrates its founder, Dr. Jeffrey Cross, as well as noting the significant contributions of National Center directors Richard Boris and William Herbert.

A Thanksgiving Without Family: A Covid-19 Employer Dilemma Case, Michael Dobbs

Journal of the North American Management Society

Based on an actual organization in the Midwest, this case describes the Director of an alcohol and drug rehabilitation center located in the Midwest and her adoption of policies to address the threat of Covid-19 to employees, clients, and the community. Names have been changed, but the facts of the case are based on employee descriptions of the organization, its director, and its new policies. The case presents students with an opportunity to wrestle with real-world situations that they themselves have faced and with which they are familiar. In this paper, I present the case itself, the worksheet assignment for …

Social Capital, Post-Industrial Society, And Faulty Industry Experience: Higher Education’S Engagement Opportunity In Applied Disciplines, Asa B. Wilson, Steven A. Stovall, Edward Crowley

Journal of the North American Management Society

Higher education faces two currents - declining social capital support and the post-industrial transition. Both impact the academy and its students. The associated challenges are discussed as engagement opportunities for the academy in applied disciplines. Also, the instructional value of faculty industry experience (IE) is defined as an attribute of social capital. It fosters student engagement while building an experiential learning bridge from the classroom to the workplace. A composite case based on faculty social capital backgrounds illustrates how faculty IE augments program development, academic rigor, student readiness, research creativity, industry linkages, and community impact. Follow-up research opportunities are identified.

The Importance Of Creativity As A Leadership Trait In Times Of Uncertainty, Niall C. Hegarty, Gerald Cusack

Journal of the North American Management Society

The purpose of this article is to illustrate that in times of uncertainty and crisis leadership creativity is the key ingredient in ensuring the survival of the firm. In such times there is no stock solution - one size does not fit all. Hence, the important trait of creativity is a crucial component needed in organizational leadership. The article progresses through the various types of creativity and challenges to survival of organizations that require the presence of creativity and develops a creative LOOP system to promote continued organizational creativity. Triggered by the presence of Covid-19 and the natural exploration of …

Building A Better Future For Christian Higher Education, Maria Ll Lam

Journal of the North American Management Society

This paper is an exploratory study concerning the perceptions of 16 diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) officers at nine Protestant evangelical Christian universities and six Catholic universities. Among these 16 DEI officers, 15 are people of color. 13 possess Ph.D. degrees and hold the highest administrative positions at their institutions. They are often required to address justice issues in their diversity initiatives if they don’t want to reproduce systematic institutional injustices in historically white-dominated Christian universities. They are working across multiple boundaries (i.e., boundary spanners) for institutional-level diversity changes. They all voice motivations to make institutional changes and 11 DEI …

Journal Management, Administration, And Promotion: The Power And Impact Of The Jnams Relaunch, Michael Dobbs, Heather S. Mcmillan

Journal of the North American Management Society

No abstract provided.

2024 Celebration Of Scholarship, Creativity, And Engagement, Todd Bruns, Anna Nelson

Programs

Annually, Eastern Illinois University honors faculty achievements in the areas of research, creativity, and engagement. The list of faculty accomplishments is truly impressive, reflective of an engaged faculty committed to excellence and the ongoing pursuit and creation of knowledge. Many of these accomplishments occurred in collaboration with our students, who serve as co-authors, research assistants and partners in bringing these activities to fruition. In some cases, these professional ambitions transpired over many years and are a testament to persistence and tenacity. We extend a sincere message of congratulations for this diverse range of achievements, which bring distinction to our departments, …

Money Path: A Tool For College, Financial, And Career Planning, Carl Gahala

Journal of the North American Management Society

Numerous websites and applications are available to help college students select a major and future career. Some of these tools ask students about their interests and then make recommendations about occupations that might be aligned with their aptitudes and interests. However, most tools do not inform students about the amount of money they will need to borrow to obtain their college degree, nor do they help students understand the impact that student loan debt will have on their future budgets. This paper discusses another unique financial literacy tool called Money Path, which allows students to develop a personal budget that …

Twenty Years Of The Application Of Rooney Rule And Diversity Practices In The Nfl Workplace, David M. Savino

Journal of the North American Management Society

While the inception of the Rooney Rule has been generally applauded in its intention, the results achieved have been less than noteworthy. In the 20 years since its inception and application in team searches for head coaches of the National Football League, the outcome may be a true sign of the difficulty associated with creating fair and equitable job opportunities in any workplace. Also, there has been a long-standing and deeply entrenched system that has been in place, especially in the sports world, to ensure little change in the overall system. This has not only been true for the sports …

A Quantitative Analysis Of Conscious Capitalism Effects On Gross Profit Margin Over Time, Alyssa Newsom, Arlene Ramkissoon, Douglas Ruml, Edward Lukco

Journal of the North American Management Society

Business is a vital part of American society, and the decisions made by businesses affect more than just the economy. Conscious Capitalism (CC) recognizes this important role, and it challenges businesses to operate in a responsible manner. CC recognizes the need to make a profit in order to succeed in a competitive market, and seeks to encourage profit by following four tenets of conscious business—conscious leadership, conscious culture, stakeholder orientation, and higher purpose— so that businesses attract customers and will experience increased profits over time. This study found that, while the gross profit margins of companies who practice CC were …

Working Remotely And Corporate Culture Wars In The Post-Pandemic Era, David M. Savino, Danielle C. Foster

Journal of the North American Management Society

Organizational culture is a sacred element of any organization. It is the lifeblood and the guiding force that makes each organization unique in its ability to navigate day-to-day and longer-term perspectives of corporate operations. Strong cultures help identify direction and philosophy and provide confidence in how to proceed to pursue innovative ideas and solve problems. Since 2020, the core value and the strength of many organizational cultures have been tested as a result of the increased reliance on working remotely and the adoption of a hybrid model of business operations not previously utilized to a great degree. While many survived …

Don't Panic! Chatgpt Doesn't Have All The Answers., Elizabeth Tate, Will Phillips, Shawn Keough

Journal of the North American Management Society

This theoretical paper aims to examine the potential benefits and harms of using ChatGPT, a large language model, in post-pandemic higher education institutions. Specifically, we explore how ChatGPT can assist educators in creating more interactive and personalized learning experiences for students. Additionally, we consider the potential negative effects of relying too heavily on ChatGPT. Furthermore, we address the ethical concerns raised by using ChatGPT in the classroom, such as issues of privacy and bias. Overall, this theoretical paper provides an analysis of the use of ChatGPT for promoting quality education in a post-COVID world.

Some Thoughts Of Faculty Strikes, Margaret E. Winters, William Connellan

Journal of Collective Bargaining in the Academy

William Connellan is a long-time administrative-side academic labor specialist who spent much of his career at Oakland University (Michigan). What follows here is the result of an interview with him carried out by the author. After a general introduction to Bill, the institution, and to Michigan labor relations, the article focuses on Bill’s involvement in the many strikes called by the faculty union at Oakland during his tenure there. The article closes with Bill’s broader comments, that is, advice on negotiations and the handling of strikes from the administrative point of view.

Taup's 50-Year Collective Bargaining Story, Arthur Hochner

Journal of Collective Bargaining in the Academy

In the half-century history of faculty collective bargaining at Temple University, the Temple Association of University Professionals has faced numerous challenges. As a union leader for 31 of those years, I took part in many contract negotiations with tough-minded management representatives, including two long strikes. As universities have shifted away from tenure-track faculty toward more contingent ones, both full- and part-time, TAUP has made key adjustments and has grown. While I am now retired from Temple and the union, my successors continue to maintain faculty voice.

Analyzing The Upward Trend In Academic Unionization: Drivers And Influences, Andrea Clemons

Journal of Collective Bargaining in the Academy

Over the last decade, the discourse on collective bargaining has evolved, shaped by the multifaceted challenges confronting contemporary higher education, including shifts in public perception and financial constraints. This article delves into the dynamic landscape of academic labor, highlighting its impact on tenured faculty, contingent faculty, and graduate students. The analysis encompasses the historical context of unionization, the transformation of academic labor structures, and present-day factors such as dissatisfaction with higher education, legislative mandates, and threats to academic freedom. The examination of recent legislative efforts in Florida, the article illustrates an ongoing trend and emphasizes the need for meaningful dialogues …

The 50 Year History Of Collective Bargaining At Hofstra University, Herman A. Berliner, Peter C. Daniel, Bernard J. Firestone, Estelle S. Gellman, Elizabeth J. Ploran, Liora P. Schmelkin

Journal of Collective Bargaining in the Academy

The timeline of collective bargaining at Hofstra mirrors the timeline of the 50 National Center annual conferences. And the details of the Hofstra timeline, from organizing, to bargaining, from global issues to procedural details, from a bitter strike to collegiality, in an environment that respects both collective bargaining and shared governance, in a world without and then with COVID, provide a microcosm of the collective bargaining world over the decades. This article will start at the beginning of collective bargaining at Hofstra, reflect on social and economic changes during these 50 years, view the changing University aspirations, assess the impact …

The Role Of The Chief Negotiator In Academic Collective Bargaining, Nicholas Digiovanni Jr.

Journal of Collective Bargaining in the Academy

Regardless of which side he or she is on, the chief negotiator is the face of the team, the representative of the institution or of the union. The negotiator must persuade, cajole, and otherwise advance his or her client’s proposals. He or she is responsible for assessing the impact of proposals, crafting effective contract language, judging the importance of different concessions, and, perhaps most important of all, maintaining the absolutely critical perspective as to what is crucial at the table and what is just noise. And finally, the chief negotiator sets a tone for the discussions, and his or her …

The Persistence Of Separate And Unequal: Debunking Myths Of The Market In Bargaining For Faculty Gender Salary Equity, Johanna E. Foster, Jen Mcgovern

Journal of Collective Bargaining in the Academy

The Persistence of Separate and Unequal:

Debunking Myths of the Market in Bargaining for Faculty Gender Salary Equity

ABSTRACT

For over a century, feminists have challenged occupational gender segregation as a mechanism to rationalize the devaluing of work assigned to women. The social movement momentum in the second half of the twentieth century helped narrow gender pay gaps both within and across occupations. Recently, apologists for gender discrimination have gained ground in obfuscating the role of gender segregation in reproducing salary inequity, pointing to a black box of “market forces” that presumably account for the devaluing of feminized fields, inside …

Collective Bargaining Among Undergraduate Students, Daniel J. Julius, Nicholas Digiovanni Jr., Jai Abrams

Journal of Collective Bargaining in the Academy

The questions we are focusing on in this essay concern; 1) to what extent are undergraduate students being organized for purposes of collective bargaining or covered by labor agreements (there are two major formats, first, unions comprised of only undergraduates and, secondly, where undergraduates are hired into employee classifications already represented by bargaining agents; the latter more common than many might expect) and 2), what impact, if any, does membership or involvement in unionization influence the undergraduate student experience (graduation and attrition rates, alumni involvement, positive or negative attitudes toward faculty or the institution, compensation, tuition, class time, shared governance, …

Hempcrete Curtain Walls, Anh Bui

2024 Awards for Excellence in Student Research and Creative Activity - Documents

This research aims to scrutinize the performance, durability, and viability of hempcrete in curtain wall applications—an exploration critical to advancing sustainable construction practices. Comprising hemp hurds and lime binders, hempcrete stands as an emerging sustainable building material with promising ecological benefits. Despite its potential, there exists a notable research gap concerning its application in curtain walls, which demand rigorous structural and weatherproofing standards. The primary objective is to subject full-scale hempcrete curtain wall assemblies to ASTM standard test methods, comparing their performance with conventional materials like stone and glass. The research hypothesis posits that hempcrete will exhibit satisfactory strength, fire …

Effective Communication Strategy During Crisis: A Case Of The 2010 Toyota Recall Crisis, Masud Mensah

Masters Theses

Crisis communication is an integral part of public relations and organizational management at large involving the timely and strategic sharing of information during a crisis or emergency. Its primary purpose is to ensure that organizations effectively manage and minimize the negative impact of the crisis on their operations and stakeholders, which invariably helps to maintain trust, credibility and restore their reputation. Based on an interpretivist standpoint, the study utilizes qualitative approaches and takes the form of a case study. It offers a comprehensive account of the crisis, including key occurrences, media representation, and public responses, showcasing its international impact via …

2023 Celebration Of Scholarship, Creativity, And Engagement, Todd Bruns, Diane Highland

Programs

Annually, Eastern Illinois University honors faculty achievements in the areas of research, creativity, and engagement. This year, the list of faculty accomplishments is again truly impressive, reflective of an engaged faculty committed to excellence and the ongoing pursuit and creation of knowledge. A number of these accomplishments occurred in collaboration with our students, who serve as co-authors, research assistants and partners in bringing these activities to fruition. Indeed, in some cases these professional ambitions transpired over the course of many years, and are a testament to persistence and tenacity--ensuring that these works extend to a broader community of scholars that …

The Lumpkin Letter (Fall 2023), Lumpkin College Of Business & Technology

Lumpkin College of Business & Technology Newsletters

No abstract provided.

The Lumpkin Letter (Spring 2023), Lcbas

Lumpkin College of Business & Technology Newsletters

No abstract provided.