Abstract
Unionization is examined in relation to speech communication departments and the disciplinary skills they can bring to faculty collective bargaining. Drawing on the context of a unionized university, the article argues that speech communication faculty are well positioned to contribute to negotiation, grievance and arbitration procedures, persuasion of union membership, lobbying, and problem solving because of their training in argumentation, debate, interpersonal communication, and persuasion. It also discusses the potential departmental benefits of union leadership, including increased recognition of the field’s practical value by colleagues in other disciplines. The article identifies possible risks, including administrative resistance toward departments whose members are active in union affairs and the loss of faculty authority over academic matters if contracts do not protect existing governance structures. Particular attention is given to the status of department chairs within bargaining units and the importance of preserving faculty decision-making in curriculum, promotion, tenure, and academic standards.
Recommended Citation
Towne, Ralph
(1984)
"Unionization and the Speech Communication Department,"
Association for Communication Administration Bulletin: Vol. 50, Article 18.
Available at:
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/aca/vol50/iss1/18
