Corporate Sociology Midterm 1 Study Sheet PDF

Study Sheets Corporate Sociology – Midterm 1 Unit 1 (sociology as a scientific discipline) - Definition of Corporate Sociology: The systematic study of human society, of the organization of human groups, based on experience and observation - August Comte: recognized as foun...

Study Sheets Corporate Sociology – Midterm 1 Unit 1 (sociology as a scientific discipline) - Definition of Corporate Sociology: The systematic study of human society, of the organization of human groups, based on experience and observation - August Comte: recognized as founder of sociology in 1838 - Key Thinkers: Comte Durkheim Marx Weber - Rise of factory-based industrial economy (division of labor), Explosive growth of cities (farmers had to go into the cities in search of work as consequence of the industrialization/ factories), New ideas about democracy and political rights (individual liberty and individual rights) = total breakdown of society at this time, needed reconstruction of social order - Stages of historical development: 1: Theological stage (humans rely on power of supernatural beings [God]) 2: Metaphysical stage (humans saw society as natural instead of supernatural) 3: Scientific stage (scientific approach to study nature & society = we could study society [our reality] in a systematic, rational and objective way) è POSITIVISM (Comte’s way of understanding based on science. The believed society operates according to its own laws) - The sociological perspective: Society shapes the lives of its members (Individuals in the society) Other scientists also study social behavior and social change, not just sociologists  è Psychology analyzes individual behavior, Sociology analyzes society è Anthropology studies human cultures & sees culture as basis for society, Sociology see culture as a piece of complex configuration of other social systems è Social work addresses people’s problems individually, Sociology don’t see individual solutions as adequate for solving society’s problems è Political Science & Economics are interested in specific set of social institutions that shape political & economic behavior, Sociology is interested in all social institutions - The sociological imagination: the ability to see the societal patterns that influence the individual in group life Mills wrote: the task of sociology is to understand the relationship between individuals & the society in which they live è Understanding intersection between biography & history - Structural-functional approach: society seen as complex system, whose parts work together to promote solidarity & stability -> problem: society isn’t stable & orderly - Social-conflict approach: how social patterns benefit some people while hurting others - Symbolic-interaction approach: a framework for building theory that sees society as the product of the everyday Unit 2 (the social division of labor) - Classical analysis of the division of labor: Adam Smith: The Wealth of Nations (1776) There is division of labor by sector or type of productive activity He showed specialization among the different types of labor & within each of them Economic growth occurs by the social division of labor that generates an increase in production for several reasons:  Increasing skills, saving time, using machinery that reduces workload Degree of division of labor is limited by size of market Division of productive activity generates 2 types of work: Productive work & unproductive jobs Karl Marx: Division of labor (DOL) contributes to an increase in productivity that benefits the capitalist & is harmful to the worker DOL creates unequal exchange between wages & labor force DOL brings 2 types of work: Necessary labor & surplus labor To divide labor, the worker must perform each task by following the instructions and in a fixed number of hours He believed the basis of the social order in every society is the production of economic goods Economic structure are the basis of society and its evolution: Means of production (land, labor etc.) & Relations of production (capitalist vs. worker) Émile Durkheim: The Social Division of Labor (1893) Fundamental dimension of social change is the division of labor/ specialization of production è Modern societies are based on a functional interdependence Humans come together in solidarity to preserve society & avoid chaos Solidarity: when individuals get integrated into groups and are governed by a whole series of shared values & customs 2 kinds: 1: Mechanical Solidarity (individuals are similar bc they experience same values and beliefs, based on tradition) 2: Organic Solidarity (individuals aren’t alike bc they have different values and beliefs, appearing Social Division of Labor [SDL], functional dependence between individuals)  Max Weber: The Protestant Ethic & the Spirit of Capitalism (1904-1905) Technological advances contribute to emergence of DOL SDL is not only the result of technological advances, but also a new way of thinking - Labor division & technological development: Emergence of factory means: Control and discipline of the labor force, In the factory are new labor relations of production between employers & employees, Technological innovation process is accompanied by increase in qualification Economic structure of new post-industrial society is based on the service sector New technical division of labor = work flexibility - Sexual Division of Labor: Refers to the presence of a differentiated labor market between men & women in relation to the division of labor Phases for its appearance: 1: Proletarianization’s phase (early capitalism) women’s work was widespread within working class 2: Homogenization phase (full capitalism) decreasing women’s work, emergence of domestic work 3: Segmentation’s phase they return to paid work, but very difficult for specific groups (e.g. middle-aged, not educated enough) Paid work seen as extension of reproductive activities Horizontal segregation: women’s work is concentrated in sectors that demand lower qualification and lower salary Vertical segregation: much smaller number of women in charge, glass ceiling effect  - International Division of Labor (IDL): Economic globalization increases the inequality between countries Development vs. underdevelopment as a major cause of IDL Aspects explaining these inequalities: demographic aspects, economic aspects, expenses on education & health Stages of Modernization: 1: Traditional Stage The cultural tradition prevents them from accepting technological change and slows the economic growth down 2: Take-off Stage Loss of traditional values & importance of personal skills, starting to trade and opening borders 3: Stage of technological maturity Aspirations to find a better standard of living 4: Mass consumption Greater social mobility, development of productive capacity that generates mass consumption of goods Dependency Theory: poor countries have seen their development and identity hindered through processes that came from outside their borders, colonialism and the imposition of an unequal division of labor favoring colonizing countries è Capitalist accumulation process: ownership of raw materials and resources of the colonized countries to promote the polarization of wealth on an international scale è Capitalism must perpetuate underdevelopment (the prosperity of the West depends on the existence of poverty in other parts of the planet) è Capitalist countries will use any means at their disposal to ensure maintenance of order Unit 3 (the organization of work in the knowledge economy) - Primitive Capitalism generated 2 issues: social inequalities & labor conflicts - The organization of labor isn’t an invention of the industrial society - Goal of organization of labor: reach more rationality of the available means to achieve specific goals of the company - Distinct forms of organizing work under the conditions of capitalist production (they are hard to show in a pure state bc they can be interwoven): - The rationality of the bureaucratic organization: Max Weber All organizations are sustained on the principle of rationality that aims towards specific goals: 1: Pre-Industrial Societies: leadership was based on charismatic authority or traditions 2: Industrial Societies: leadership was based on legal-rational authority that creates its own organizational structure: the bureaucracy - Bureaucratic system basic features: Rationalization of work through systematic & coordinated organization of activities Specialization (to each job are assigned fixed tasks) Centralization of decisions, hierarchical structure (jobs are sorted by the principle of hierarchy) Formalizing behavior, rules Salary based on: education (training), seniority, experience and competence Well-trained employees Managerial dedication and impartiality of management (corporations add more people in lower categories) - Evaluation of Model: Positive: work is organized effectively  Negative: it feeds conformism (Weber says one is good at his job if he does what is required, Smith says one is good at his job if they do more than required) It leads to lack of motivation It ignores the existence of the informal organization - Scientific management of work (SMW): Frederick W. Taylor He is the pioneer Discovery of human factor in the company Manipulation of social reality to put individual interests of workers at the service of the company SMW = real interest of employers is to reach greater productivity Basic features: o Substantive change in the organization (separation between those who run and those who design the work skills) o Fragmentation & specialization of tasks, defining the optimum productivity o Establishing a remuneration system based on the wage differential parts (the only thing that motivates the employee is money) - Organizations can alter the social environment by imposing principles that govern our behavior - Our culture is in process of “McDonaldization” = dimensions of our lives seem governed by the principles of: Efficiency, Calculation, Consistency & Prediction and Automation - Mass Production: Fordism Assumption that mass production requires mass market It assumes Taylorism and creates the system of continuous line (man’s submission to the rhythm of the machine) Critics: worker must perform monotonous and repetitive tasks, etc.  - Just In Time Model: minimal equipment, materials & human resources Basic Requirements: New motivational techniques beyond salary Reduction of hierarchy etc. - Flexible Specialization: result of crisis of Fordism as mass production Reduction of costs in production & management Increased flexibility in use of resources to produce goods for customer Flexible hours Globalization of production - Network Society: Manuel Castells Result of economic, social & cultural revolution Large corporations have responded to the challenge of adaptation to markets & technologies through enterprise network = network form of organization of economic activities that is widespread in all areas of the global economy Small & medium companies competing in a global market tend to form collaborative networks Unwanted effects of the network company For workers: more vulnerable to employer, diminishes bargaining power For business: difficult to motivate workers, capital is global & labor is local 5 trends that make the company network the dominant form of organization: Internal decentralization of multinationals Collaborative networks of small businesses Interconnection of networks of SMEs to multinationals: Outsourcing Strategic alliances between large firms: joint ventures Information technology & communication technology (ICT) Unit 4 (organization and social groups at work) - Social groups Definition: A social group is made up of 2 or more people, both of which have recognized identity, and maintain some kind of association with each other. They consist of people  with common interests or experiences, or people bound together by bonds of trust, loyalty and dependence. - Category: group of people who share common characteristics but aren’t linked in any way (e.g. women, men) - Cluster: Individuals meet at a certain place and time, share an activity and then disperse (e.g. people who shop at a mall) - Society, primary and secondary groups: Cooley (Social Organization, 1962) He views society as a process, continuing to form and reform via individuals, groups, patterns, and institutions He remained consistent in his position on causation: Individuals do not make societies nor do societies make individuals. They are “distributive and collective aspects of the same thing” The self, to him, isn’t first individual and the societal, it arises dialectically through communication. “There is no sense of I without its correlative sense of you, or he, or they” 1: Small social group whose members maintain a personal and lasting relationship with each other 2: Individuals who are part of a primary group conduct a series of activities together and feel they know each other well 3: Members of a primary group show special interest in the welfare of others in the group - Primary group characteristics: They are the first groups of which we’re part in life Their fundamental importance: shape values, attitudes, and identity of its members Provide security to the individual Individuals often help each other They are an end in itself, not a means to satisfy other purposes Stronger relationships between its members  Individuals are identified in terms of who they are Other components of the group are unique & irreplaceable - Secondary group characteristics: Formed by larger number of people Members of group are linked by weaker social ties = more formal relationship Imply emotional distance between individuals Not permanent = pursue an objective, achieve it, disaggregate Members are defined in terms of what they are Over time, they may acquire characteristics of primary groups - Reference groups: social group that serves as a benchmark when assessing a situation or making decisions May be primary or secondary Values & attitudes in that group influence social control - In-group: social group that claims its members to a degree of support & loyalty, the individual feels as though he belongs as a member - Out-group: a group that is competing or to which you feel an attitude of rejection - Basic aspects of motivation at the workplace: Work is fundamental dimension of human life Work as a definer of individual status Humanizing work (the need for people to achieve a fundamental satisfaction in their work, not merely the appearance) - Expectancy Theory: V. H. Vroom (1964) Humans expect success the individual is confident that achieving the expected result, certain consequences are attractive for him: a: Extrinsic (salary, bonuses, peer approval etc.) b: Intrinsic (feeling of fulfillment, satisfaction, learning etc.)  each result has a certain value/ appeal for the individual each individual has 3 questions: 1: will I be productive on the job? 2: what will I get if I’m productive? 3: will the job be worth it? Relationship between stress/ effort depends on: skills of the subject & perception of the workplace - Needs at the workplace: - Designing the job: design motivational significance that their implementation is seeking a greater incentive for the worker: Variety Identity Significance Autonomy Feedback Mills (The Promise of Sociology) Key Concepts: - Men can’t overcome their troubles and feel trapped è They can’t grasp the interplay of man & society, biography & history, self & world - Sociological Imagination: Definition: the sociological imagination enables its possessor to understand the larger historical scene in terms of its meaning for the inner life & the external career of a variety of individuals It enables us to grasp history & biography and the relations between the two within society (to recognize this task is the mark of the classic social analyst) - Historical Context & Biography: (Chat GPT) Biography: The individual’s life story and personal experiences History: Larger social structures and events shaping individuals' experiences The intersection of history and biography is key to grasping the influence of society on the individual - 3 questions being asked: 1: What is the structure of this particular society as a whole? This question wants to know how different groups in a society are related (Internet) 2: Where does this society stand in human history? This question wants to figure out how societies change across time and how our society today is related to societies of the past (Internet) 3: What varieties of men & women now prevail in this society and in this period? This question seeks to describe how people’s personalities and moods/ their beliefs and values are also shaped by the social world in which they live (Internet) - Important Distinction: “the personal troubles of milieu” vs. “the public issues of social structure” Troubles: occur within character of the individual & within range of his immediate relations with others. It’s a private matter (e.g., when only 1 person is unemployed)  Issues: have to do with matters that transcend these local environments of the individual & the range of his inner life. It’s a public matter (e.g., when many people are unemployed) Berger (Invitation to Sociology) Key Concepts: - Things are not what they seem - “Culture Shock” describes impact of a totally new culture upon a newcomer/ the experience of sociological discovery minus geographical displacement - People who like to avoid shocking discoveries & have no curiosity should stay away from sociology - Sociological perspective: seeing through, looking behind - Large cities are fascinating bc of immense variety of human activities -> the facades must be penetrated by one’s own inquisitive intrusions (looking beyond the façade) - Example of Politics: the sociologist will want to know the constituency of the “informal power structure” or the way in which powerful interests influence the actions of officials elected è He looks beyond the immediately given and publicly approved interpretations & debunks the social systems he is studying - This unmasking imperative is one of the characteristics of sociology - Sociologists look at own culture (stay home), Anthropologists research foreign cultures (travel abroad) - Step 1: Theory We research bc of curiosity (methodological, not psychological) - Step 2: Practice  Prove the theory Taylor (The Principles of Scientific Management) - increasing productivity through systematic processes and cooperation between workers and managers - Traditionally, success was heavily dependent on workers' initiative, which was inconsistent and rarely optimized - Under scientific management, managers assume greater responsibilities, including gathering all knowledge traditionally held by workers and organizing it into clear rules and guidelines that enhance productivity - 4 key managerial responsibilities: developing a science for each task, scientifically selecting and training workers, fostering cooperation to ensure work is carried out according to scientific principles, evenly dividing responsibilities between management and workers - Task idea: workers' daily tasks are planned in advance by management and is carried out in a joint effort of the workman and management. Workers are rewarded with wage increases (30-100%) when they complete their tasks successfully (no workman should ever injure himself and his death) - Example: Bethlehem Steel, particularly with pig-iron handlers è Through careful selection and training, workers such as "Schmidt" were able to significantly increase their productivity (went from loading 12 ½ tons a day to 47 ½ tons) è Step 1: scientific selection of the workman (find proper workman to begin with bc each workman has his own special abilities & limitations) Step 2: picked out 4 men who appeared to be physically able to handle 47 tons a day Step 3: careful study was made of these men Step 4: select one from the 4 men as the most likely man to start with (Schmidt). They asked if he was a “high-priced man” (does he want to earn  $1.85 a day or is he satisfied with $1.15 whilst doing exactly as he’s told from morning till night, no back talk?) Step 5: one man after another was picked out and trained, receiving 60% more wages than the others è The greater benefit of industrial improvements ultimately goes to the consumers (the third great party). The rights of the people are greater than those of employer or employee - Combination of elements that constitute scientific management: Science (not rule of thumb) Harmony (not discord) Cooperation (not individualism) Maximum output (in place of restricted output)