Fifty years ago, when Robert McKersie and Richard Walton were developing the behavioral theory of labor negotiations, Bob was also volunteering with our community organizing efforts in Chicago. He was putting into practice the theory that he was developing at the time.
In the book A Behavioral Theory of Labor Negotiations, Walton and McKersie described the tension between integrative and distributive bargaining — expanding the pie and dividing the pie. We were certainly looking to expand the pie with Chicago area employers and at the same time there were some tough issues in which we had to engage in hard bargaining.
The book also discusses the importance of influence — what they called attitudinal structuring. I can tell you that most negotiations are not about raw power, but the much more challenging exercise of influence.
Finally, the book talks about internal negotiations. As they document in the last chapter, which was focused in part on civil rights, there were many internal tensions that we had to address — from people advocating more militant action and those advocating more collaborative strategies. We had to resolve our internal negotiations before we could be effective externally.
In addition to the fiftieth anniversary of the publication of A Behavioral Theory, this year also marks the fiftieth anniversary of the marches in Selma, Alabama, where there was senseless violence fueled by racial bigotry. I participated last winter in anniversary events in Selma, but that gathering was not just about honoring history. There are deep racial, economic, and religious challenges in society today. The challenge fifty years ago and the challenge today is to make sense out of the senseless actions so that we can all contribute toward an inclusive and productive future.
As a step in the right direction, I appreciate Bob McKersie's recent outreach to encourage joint training by police unions and community organizations following the tragic events in Ferguson, in New York, and elsewhere. The joint training idea is tangible and the kind of integrative work that needs encouragement. So I am pleased to salute the fiftieth anniversary of this important book on labor negotiations, and I urge its continued use in addressing the great challenges we all face.
Note
These remarks have been adapted from a video testimonial prepared by Rev. Jackson for the fiftieth anniversary celebration honoring the publication of A Behavioral Theory of Labor Negotiations.
