Relationship between Sociology and Business Management
Business management is the process of management of different business activities to run the business smoothly, sociology is the comprehensive study of social structure, institutions, processes, and social change.
When we talk about the relationship i.e. application of sociological knowledge, sociology with business management, we must never forget that a businessman or management professional is a part of society.
The study of sociology will provide him the opportunity to investigate, analyze, and understand social problems social institutions, and existing social norms and values.
Thus he/she works and plans his future courses of action keeping the needs of society into consideration. Sociological knowledge can help provide commercial or business organizations the first-hand knowledge about the needs of society.
The commercial activity such as production, distribution, etc. will be oriented taking into consideration, the needs of society.
Sociology provides adequate knowledge needed for managers to understand their employees and customers.
Business leaders with knowledge of sociology can cater to customer needs and respond to employees’ problems in ways others can not.
However, the relevance and importance of sociology in business management can be described as follows:
Enhance Analytical Capability
Sociology as an academic discipline helps to develop your analytical thinking and capabilities. Sociologists analyze quantitative and qualitative data to determine the effects of phenomena (events) on a population.
This analytical method of thinking helps those in business with the ability to research market scenarios and eventually draw conclusions from that data.
Handling Employees
Business leaders and human resource managers with a background in sociology have an advantage when dealing with employees in the workplace. Sociologists study and are often aware of the cultural and social aspects that shape an individual.
With this background, those in a business organization can avoid alienating employees from work or hurting company loyalty.
For example, the company may have a large number of employees who practice a particular religion.
If this religion states that they need to pray at least once at noon, then they should not ask those employees to stop praying.
Market Opportunities
Sociologists are aware of and understand that an event (phenomenon) can influence the larger population.
For example, if an epidemic disease causes a huge loss of life in the country or region, then those engaged in business and have a background in sociology take it as an opportunity and then start to produce and market medical supplies.
Public Relations
To enhance public relations, the business company can hire a PR Officer with a background in sociology because he/she is aware of the fact that certain actions of the company can affect its customers as the cultural sentiments of the customers in an area unharmed.
Career Opportunities in Business and Management Sectors
It is also worth mentioning that there are many possibilities in the business world for those with a sociology degree.
Depending on one’s experience and skills, jobs could range from sales associate to business analyst to human resources to marketing.
Hence, it is advisable that students interested in business careers with private or non-profit firms can take majors in sociology.
Thus, having proper knowledge of sociology plays a vital role in business management.
Sociological knowledge helps business managers and administrators to know people’s culture including their buying habits, income levels, or their quality of life as a whole
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Sujan Chaudhary holds a BBA degree. He loves to share his business knowledge with the rest of the world.