Local Teacher Organizations: the Relationship Between Teachers' Perceptions of Their Union and Job Satisfaction.

Abstract

Little information is available on the local teachers' organization and its influence on teachers. Very little research has been done on teachers' reactions to their union and their quality of work life. The study involved an interview and a self-administered questionnaire of 200 r and omly selected public school teachers from 25 buildings in 23 districts in Southeastern Michigan and an interview with their local union presidents. This social psychological study of classroom teachers, accordingly, investigated the relationship between perceptions of union performance and job satisfaction. The research ascertained whether there was variance of perceptions among elementary, junior, and senior high school teachers concerning union performance and job satisfaction. The study, furthermore, investigated the relationship between the teachers' perceptions of union effectiveness and their job satisfaction. The congruency between the teachers' perceptions of union effectiveness and the local union presidents' were also studied. No significant difference of perceptions among the three strata was found. A significant relationship was established between union performance and overall job satisfaction, as well as extrinsic job satisfaction. No significant connection was found between union performance and intrinsic job satisfaction. Career reaffirmation was significantly related to job satisfaction, but not to union performance. Lastly, teachers and their union presidents agreed on the quality of union performance in all areas except job security. The fact that there is no difference of perceptions among elementary, junior high, and senior high school teachers concerning job satisfaction or union performance, coupled with the significant relationship between union performance and overall job satisfaction, raises for school personnel the importance of unions in the possible effective operation of the schools. Also, if teacher union leaders wish to increase the affiliation of members, they should note the significant relationship between union performance and extrinsic job satisfaction and explore whether the lack of connection between union effectiveness and intrinsic job satisfaction is related to the union's possible neglect of this area. Finally, union presidents should look for ways to make themselves and their organizations more sensitive to teachers' concerns over job security.