Contemporary perceptions of unionization in the medical profession: a study of attitudes of unionized and non-union physicians.

This study investigated current perceptions of a sample of unionized and non-unionized physicians toward the concept of collective bargaining. Specific areas for study were the issues that have motivated and might motivate physicians to unionize, as well as the individuals or institutions physicians perceive as the opponent in collective bargaining. The analysis showed that economic considerations and the imposition of external controls on the practice of medicine dominate the physicians' perceptions. Government and health insurance companies are perceived as the primary adversaries. Perceptual differences between unionized and non-unionized physicians were shown to be small.