Correlates of Informal Grievance Resolution Among Fist-Line Supervisors

A study examined the effect on grievance resolution of differences in supervisors' training and degree of experience. The study also looked at the variances in the grievance process interaction between supervisors and union representatives and other management. Eight workplace-level case studies were examined. A total of 181 first-line supervisors completed questionnaires. In addition, interviews were conducted with the industrial relations staff at each location. Results indicated that much of the variance in the rate of informal grievance resolution among first-line supervisors is traceable to differences in individual supervisors' experience and behavior in the grievance process. The most powerful influence on grievance resolution was the degree to which informal consultation occurred between supervisors and union representatives before the grievance transactions concluded.