Staff Labor Organizing in Higher Education: How Imperfect Unions and Organizational Subjugation Shape Resistance and Change Efforts.
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| Title: | Staff Labor Organizing in Higher Education: How Imperfect Unions and Organizational Subjugation Shape Resistance and Change Efforts. |
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| Authors: | Harper, Jordan (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Journal of Higher Education. 2026, Vol. 97 Issue 5, p828-852. 25p. |
| Subjects: | Labor unions, Organizational change, Decision making, Collective bargaining, Labor organizing, Collective action, Administrative assistants |
| Abstract: | This study examines how administrative assistants in higher education perceive their unions and the extent to which they organize to address perceived union limitations in pursuit of organizational change. It is grounded in literature on staff, unionization, resistance, and organizational change. Drawing from interviews within a broader qualitative portraiture study on administrative staff labor issues in contemporary higher education, findings indicate that while they view unions as beneficial, their effectiveness is often limited. Resultingly, the study highlights the significance of, and challenges associated with, both individual and collective resistance strategies in fostering change at micro, meso, and macro levels. This research critiques the prevalent heroization of unions during this contemporary wave of unionization in higher education, advocating for a critical examination of their liberatory potential and responsiveness to rank-and-file needs. It calls on higher education workers across the terrain to respond proactively to these challenges. Additionally, the study explores research implications and suggests avenues for further theoretical and empirical exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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| Abstract: | This study examines how administrative assistants in higher education perceive their unions and the extent to which they organize to address perceived union limitations in pursuit of organizational change. It is grounded in literature on staff, unionization, resistance, and organizational change. Drawing from interviews within a broader qualitative portraiture study on administrative staff labor issues in contemporary higher education, findings indicate that while they view unions as beneficial, their effectiveness is often limited. Resultingly, the study highlights the significance of, and challenges associated with, both individual and collective resistance strategies in fostering change at micro, meso, and macro levels. This research critiques the prevalent heroization of unions during this contemporary wave of unionization in higher education, advocating for a critical examination of their liberatory potential and responsiveness to rank-and-file needs. It calls on higher education workers across the terrain to respond proactively to these challenges. Additionally, the study explores research implications and suggests avenues for further theoretical and empirical exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 00221546 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/00221546.2025.2521203 |
