The role of front-line management in anti-unionization employee communication: America West Airlines vs the Teamsters Union

摘要

Purpose - The purpose of this article is to provide analysis of organizational communication used byrnone major US airline during a Teamsters unionizing campaign as a means for readers to examine whatrnairlines do when faced with the threat of unionization, how they prepare front-line management forrncommunication with employees, and what role these managers play in unionizing campaigns.rnDesign/methodology/approach - A range of corporate communications from the airline wererngathered within a seven-month period and qualitatively analyzed, including management trainingrnmanuals, e-mails, and conference calls between line managers and regional directors.rnFindings - Anti-union communication strategies position front-line managers in the key persuasivernrole of controlling and disseminating essential top-down information in the effort to keep employeesrnunion-free, utilizing a complex and multi-layered organizational approach to train managers forrnemployee communication during a unionizing campaign.rnResearch limitations/implications - While granted access by America West to observernconference calls and view internal documents the authors were not granted access to listen tornTeamsters Union conversations or view Teamsters' internal documents. As a result, the authorsrnrealize that their study is limited to an analysis of only one side of the story. Additional research intornthis topic could include data from both campaigns.rnPractical implications - Analysis of organizational anti-union campaigns and the role of front-linernmanagers in these campaigns identify key areas of interest for both organizations and unions. Thisrnanalysis, in conjunction with assessment of the overall results of a unionizing campaign, providesrninformation that organizations can use when selecting strategies for internal communication in timesrnof potential change.rnOriginality/value - This paper provides useful information about the complex function of line management in supporting and promoting the organization when external factors are perceived as endangering internal infrastructure. It also offers a practical glimpse into a unique type of managerial communication whose aim is to be both cautious and persuasive.