THE INFLUENCE OF WORK HISTORY FACTORS ON ARBITRATION OUTCOMES

This simulation study examines how work history factors affect arbitra tors' decisions in absenteeism discharge cases. The authors analyze th e responses of 179 arbitrators to survey questions concerning 32 hypot hetical absence discharge cases in which four work history factors wer e systematically varied. Work history factors and due process consider ations both are found to have influenced arbitral awards. Due process considerations (the degree to which management followed prescribed pro cedures) had the strongest impact, followed by previous absence histor y, prior disciplinary record, job performance, and seniority. The auth ors conclude that rehabilitative themes were prominent in these arbitr ators' decision making. Other significant influences were the arbitrat or's educational background, age, and experience.