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Why Are Some Union Organizing Campaigns More Successful Than Others?

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  • Vidu Badigannavar
  • John Kelly

Abstract

This paper reports a study of two union organizing campaigns in the higher education sector. Using mobilization theory, we tried to explore why one campaign was more successful than the other as measured by membership growth and recruitment of activists. We found that in the more successful campaign, the union was perceived as more effective in voicing workers’ concerns, generated greater social cohesion and union identification amongst employees, was more successful in convincing employees that the university management was to blame for their problems and promoted amongst employees a stronger sense of union instrumentality.

Suggested Citation

  • Vidu Badigannavar & John Kelly, 2005. "Why Are Some Union Organizing Campaigns More Successful Than Others?," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 43(3), pages 515-535, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:brjirl:v:43:y:2005:i:3:p:515-535
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-8543.2005.00367.x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ian Kessler & Paul Heron, 2001. "Steward Organization in a Professional Union: The Case of The Royal College of Nursing," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 39(3), pages 367-391, September.
    2. Rafael Gomez & Morley Gunderson & Noah Meltz, 2002. "Comparing Youth and Adult Desire for Unionization in Canada," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 40(3), pages 542-519, September.
    3. Andy Charlwood, 2002. "Why Do Non–union Employees Want to Unionize? Evidence from Britain," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 40(3), pages 463-491, September.
    4. Melvina Metochi, 2002. "The Influence of Leadership and Member Attitudes in Understanding the Nature of Union Participation," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 40(1), pages 87-111, March.
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