Introduction to Industrial Sociology What is Industrial Sociology

Introduction to Industrial Sociology

What is Industrial Sociology �Industrial Sociology is a specialized branch of Sociology. �It is the application of sociological approach to the reality and problems of industry. �It looks at the impact of labor and industry on society, as well as the ways through which society impacts industrial forces.

Definitions of Industrial Sociology �Industrial sociology is the application of the sociological approach to the reality and prob lems of industry. (P. Gisbert) �Industrial Sociology is concerned with industry as a social system, including those factors (technical, economic, political) which affect the structure, the functions and the changes in that system. (J. H. Smith)

�Industrial Sociologists center their interests upon the social organizations of the work place, including the pattern of interaction among people who are responding to one another in terms of their roles in work organizations or whose behavior is being affected by those roles. (Charles B. Spaulding)

Development of Industrial Sociology �The term industrial sociology was first used in the middle of twentieth century when George Elton Mayo did various experiments at Hawthorne Works, Chicago �Besides, following are the factors which also contributed to the development of industrial sociology. v The development of corporate industry v The achievement of scientific management v The unemployment of the depressed 1930 s

v The rise of human relations v The awakening of the trade unions v The new technology and mechanization v The desire for a higher standard of living v The occasional labor strikes

Nature and Scope of Industrial Sociology �Industrial sociology is a specialized branch of sociology. �Industrial sociology is concerned with industry as social system. �It has both theoretical as well as practical orientation. �Industrial sociology is rational as well as empirical.

Scope �Industrial sociology is mainly concerned with the study of human relations as they grow and operate in the field of industries. �It deals with the sociological concepts that have relevance to industry. �It also focuses on the social organizations of the work place/industry. �It studies the patterns of interaction between people in terms of their roles at their work place or in industrial organizations.

�The industrial sociology deals with the total organization of the workplace/industry. �It also deals with the following three different organizations which are interrelated but also conceived distinguishable: i. Management organization ii. Informal organization of workers iii. Union organization

Industrial Social Relationships �The industrial relationships are of two types i. e. internal as well as external relations. �Internal relationships are those which exist within the industry whereas external relations are concerned with those relationships which exist between industry and outside bodies like government, community, educational institution etc.

�Internal relationships within industry are most important which are further divided into three categories i. e. informal, formal and mixed. �Formal relations immediately arise from the performance of one’s approved duties to the organization. �Informal relations spontaneously arise everywhere in the industry.

�For instance, Informal relations may exist among individuals as when two or more workmen criticize or grumble against their supervisor, or aggrieved workmen who temporarily unite to protect their own interest and have their complaints heard. �Mixed relations are also called socio technical relations. These relationships arise while discharging one’s duties.

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