TOWARD A TEST OF WHEELERS INTEGRATIVE THEORY IN 6 UNION ELECTION CASES

Using data from six union certification election cases (three union wi ns and three union losses) in the United States, this study examines t he phenomenon of unionization, drawing upon Wheeler's (1985) theory of industrial conflict. The comparative case study assessment suggests t hat a union win is related to employee deprivation, calculation as to union effectiveness, instrumentality perceptions, and attitudes about unions. In general, the results are somewhat supportive of the theory and suggest avenues for future research.