Abstract
From any perspective performance should be central to the work of faculty. Not performance judged by administration, but performance judged by peers. Nothing else ensures relevancy and quality of judgment.
From the time of Plato’s Academy and Aristotle’s Lyceum, academic freedom
and scholarly creativity have been highly prized academic values. Ideally, successes and failures of individual academics are based on the values that other academics (and
students) place on their work. Performance, not politics, is what counts.
Charles W. Baird, Professor of economics and chairman of the Department of
Economics at California State University, Hayward.
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Guilds existed for the transfer of skill from one generation to the next. It was their primary purpose. Should unions take on that purpose today, no one would question their value or motives.
Trade unions still participate in journeymen and master craftsmen (historical terms) training to increase skill, quality of work, and the reputation of their craft, and in addition, offer protections from unfair labor practices. Unfortunately, not all unions bring the same energy and commitment to preparing the next generation.