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Walden University Walden University College of Management and Technology This is to certify that the doctoral study by Melvin J. Rivers has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Tim Truitt, Committee Chairperson, Doctor of Business Administration Faculty Dr. Yvonne Doll, Committee Member, Doctor of Business Administration Faculty Dr. Kathleen Barclay, University Reviewer, Doctor of Business Administration Faculty Chief Academic Officer Eric Riedel, Ph.D. Walden University 2014 Abstract Declining Union Membership and the Reduction of Union Representation In the Workplace By Melvin J. Rivers MBA, Keller Graduate School of Management, 2009 BS, DeVry University, 2006 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University February 2014 Abstract Union membership has declined 24.2 % since 1945. Declining union membership leads to a general business problem of economic losses to labor unions. The problem is relevant to both scholars and the labor movement, requiring development of a deeper understanding of the reasons for union membership decline. In this qualitative phenomenological study, experiences with declining union membership are explored with union representatives in Los Angeles County. The study’s conceptual framework was comprised of three models: the utility of union membership, human motivation, and collective bargaining to identify relevant elements of union membership decisions. Twenty face-to-face interviews using open-ended questions were conducted with participants who had a minimum of 3 years’ experience as a full-time union representative. The data were coded, and themes developed using the modified van Kaam method and NVivo 10 software. Three primary emergent themes resulted: (a) globalism is the primarily perceived cause of declining union membership, (b) unions are effective in collective bargaining, and (c) communication with union members must increase. The results from this study could be used to improve internal union communication, increase operational efficiency, and develop leadership training. The implications for positive social change include new insights to support labor union leaders in efforts to increase membership, retain jobs, and improve the economic health of their members. Declining Union Membership and the Reduction of Union Representation In the Workplace By Melvin J. Rivers MBA, Keller Graduate School of Management, 2009 BS, DeVry University, 2006 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University February 2014 Dedication I would like to dedicate this dissertation to Zakkiyya. You have been with me prior to my MBA Journey. You have weathered storms with me. You have taught me the meaning of love and support. I thank God for you. Acknowledgments I would like to acknowledge Dr. Tim Truitt for his ability to keep me focused on the project and deliverables. He provided the wisdom and guidance needed to inspire and challenge me to utilize the tools provided by Walden University in the coursework. Thanks to Dr. Geraldine Goodstone for her ability to convey clarity and direction in satisfying the rubric requirements. Thanks to Dr. Yvonne Doll for teaching me how to write in a scholarly voice. Thanks to Dr. Kathleen Barclay for her ability to encourage me in thinking through the requirements. I also would like to acknowledge the faculty and staff under the direction of Dr. Freda Turner for providing quality education I anticipated while choosing to attend this great institution of higher learning. Table of Contents Section 1: Foundation Of The Study ...................................................................................1 Background Of The Problem .........................................................................................1 Problem Statement .........................................................................................................2 Purpose Statement ..........................................................................................................3 Nature Of The Study ......................................................................................................4 Research Question .........................................................................................................6 Interview Questions ................................................................................................ 7 Conceptual Framework ..................................................................................................8 Definition Of Terms .....................................................................................................10 Assumptions, Limitations, And Delimitations.............................................................11 Assumptions .......................................................................................................... 11 Limitations ............................................................................................................ 11 Delimitations ......................................................................................................... 12 Significance Of The Study ...........................................................................................12 Contribution To Business Practice........................................................................ 12 Implications For Social Change ............................................................................ 13 A Review Of The Professional And Academic Literature ..........................................14 Historical Background .......................................................................................... 15 Demographic Factors ............................................................................................ 21 Political Factors .................................................................................................... 26 Social Factors ........................................................................................................ 32 i Economic Factors.................................................................................................. 40 Conceptual Framework Analysis .......................................................................... 44 Transition And Summary .............................................................................................49 Section 2: The Project ........................................................................................................51 Purpose Statement ........................................................................................................51 Role Of The Researcher ...............................................................................................53 Participants ...................................................................................................................53 Research Method And Design .....................................................................................54 Method .................................................................................................................. 55 Research Design.................................................................................................... 57 Population And Sampling ............................................................................................58 Ethical Research...........................................................................................................60 Data Collection ............................................................................................................61 Instruments ............................................................................................................ 61 Data Collection Technique ................................................................................... 62 Data Organization Techniques .............................................................................. 64 Data Analysis Technique .............................................................................................65 Reliability And Validity ...............................................................................................67 Reliability .............................................................................................................. 67 Validity ................................................................................................................. 68 Transition And Summary .............................................................................................68 Section 3: Application To Professional Practice And Implications For Change ...............70 ii Overview Of Study ......................................................................................................70 Presentation Of The Findings ......................................................................................71 Demographics ....................................................................................................... 74 Emerging Themes ................................................................................................. 76 Analysis Of Research Findings ............................................................................. 83 Additional Information From Participants ...........................................................
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