This work explores three key topics in social psychology: the manner in which labor unions shape organizational behavior, a relationship which has been effectively ignored in the literature; the organization of the union itself, a fascinating test case for the organizational psychologist; and the way in which theories and methods of organizational psychology may assist labor organizations in achieving their goals. Since the union maintains unique characteristics of democracy, conflict, and voluntary participation within a larger organization, the authors offer a detailed study of a union's dynamics, including demographic and personality predictors of membership, voting behavior, union commitment and loyalty, the nature of participation, leadership styles, collective bargaining, among other topics. This is the first book to be published in the new Industrial/Organizational Psychology Series. It will be of interest to not only industrial/organizational psychologists in industry, academia, and private and public organizations, but to graduate students in psychology departments and business schools, and to academics and professionals in business and management studying industrial relations.

Julian Barling's profile page

Clive Fullagar's profile page

K. Kevin Kelloway's profile page

Julian Barling is at Queen's University. Clive Fullagar is at Kansas State University.

"The authors provide a thorough survey of the relevant academic literature and apply that body of knowledge using concepts of organizational psychology. The book substantially extends our understanding of the functions and effectiveness of labor organizations." --Choice

"An important addition to the burgeoning research literature of the field. . . because it is the first to thoroughly and systematically appraise the state of the art. . . . there is no other book like this. The author's contribution goes well beyond that of a literature review or reference work; by identifying the gaps in our knowledge of the psychology of unionism they present a clear and comprehensive agenda for the growing number of researchers in the field. I anticipate that this volume will be widely read and updated frequently." --Gary N. Chaison (Clark University), Relations Industrielles

"Provides an excellent and cogent summary of research on unions and is a reference that should find a home on the shelf of any scholar interested in employment relationships. . . . a comprehensive and provocative volume." --Judi M. Parks and Deborah L. Kidder, Contemporary Psychology