Industrial Sociologist

A community is made up of diverse groups of people, such as families, tribes, students, and those sharing similar interests. These groups in turn consist of individuals with widely different personalities. It’s such an intricate network of people and personalities that there’s an entire field devoted specifically to its study. This field is sociology.

Sociologists study how individuals and entire groups interact and function within a community. If you hold the more specialized title of Industrial Sociologist, the communities you study consist of workers on the job.

How does the interaction between coworkers change when they become aware of pay differences? What effect does managerial favoritism have on job performance? What is the most effective means of communication both up and down the chain of command? These are the types of questions you research as an Industrial Sociologist.

Your interest lies in the ways people perceive, react, and relate to their job function, subordinates, superiors, and workflow. You analyze the role of competition within the company as it relates to job satisfaction, motivation, and performance. Technology, the demands of balancing work and family life, and the physical conditions of the workplace all garner your interest as well.

The job of an Industrial Sociologist requires strong research skills and a passion for what makes people tick. It’s part Psychologist and part Scientist, but 100 percent interesting. Your inquisitive mind leads you to look into those things previously neglected, and identify ways to make business more productive and employees happier. You have the power to influence others as well when you use your knowledge to teach or shape social policies.