The goal of this paper is to estimate the causal effect of unionization on institutional decision-making. We use a national survey of presidents and faculty senate leaders to measure the level of shared governance at 341 public universities in fifteen different areas. To address the endogeneity of faculty unionization, we use an index of state employee collective bargaining rights as an instrument for unionization. We find that unionization greatly increases faculty influence over decision-making in areas such as setting faculty salary scales, individual faculty salaries, appointing department chairs, and appointments to institution-wide committees.

The author's goal in this article is to estimate the causal effect of unionization on institutional decision-making, using a national survey of presidents and faculty senate leaders to measure the level of shared governance at 341 public universities in 15 different areas. To handle the endogeneity of faculty unionization, an index of state employee collective bargaining rights is used as an instrument for unionization. Findings indicate that unionization greatly increases faculty influence over institutional decision-making, both in compensation and in areas outside of compensation.

With roughly 25% of those teaching college classes belonging to a union, higher education is one of the most heavily organized industries in the United States. Substantial research-based literature exists as scholars have been studying the topic for a half of a century. Following an overview of its history and context, this monograph synthesizes and analyzes the existing research on faculty and graduate student unionization. It points to evolving understandings of faculty attitudes regarding collective bargaining and the findings on the relationships between unionization and compensation, satisfaction, procedural protections, organizational effectiveness, and related issues for tenure-line faculty. Additional chapters consider the more limited research on non-tenure-line faculty and graduate student instructors. As such, this monograph illuminates the accepted understandings, contested arguments, and the substantial gaps in understandings that remain. This is the third issue of the 43rd volume of the Jossey-Bass series ASHE Higher Education Report. Each monograph is the definitive analysis of a tough higher education issue, based on thorough research of pertinent literature and institutional experiences. Topics are identified by a national survey. Noted practitioners and scholars are then commissioned to write the reports, with experts providing critical reviews of each manuscript before publication.

This is one of the first compilations on collective bargaining in higher education reflecting the work of scholars, practitioners, and employer and union advocates. It offers a practical and comprehensive resource to higher education leaders responsible for developing, managing, and maintaining collective bargaining relationships with academic personnel. Offering views from an experienced and diverse group, this book explores how to manage relationships in collaborative, transparent, and equitable ways, best practices for meaningful outcome measures, and approaches for framing collective bargaining as a long-term process that benefits the institution. This volume provides an overview of the contemporary landscape, benchmark measures of success, and practical advice focusing on advancing collaborative, equitable, and sustainable labor relations approaches in higher education. Designed for administrators, union leaders, elected officials, and policy makers, at all stages of their careers as well as for faculty and students in graduate programs, this volume serves as an invaluable resource for those who endeavor to conceptualize, conduct, manage, and implement collective bargaining in more mutually effective and beneficial ways for all parties.

The issues Reichman considers—which are the subjects of daily conversation on college and university campuses nationwide as well as in the media—will fascinate general readers, students, and scholars alike.