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Industrial sociologists research and apply sociological theory to solve industrial problems, with a focus on productivity, management, motivation, and employee relations. They work in government, private sector, or not-for-profit companies, and require at least a master’s degree in sociology. Experience is also important.
An industrial sociologist will conduct research and apply sociological theory to solve problems, covering a wide range of industrial issues and concerns. Areas of focus typically include productivity, management, motivation, work organization, employee relations, market trends, technological change, labor distribution, and economic trends. Spending much of their time studying people at work, an industrial sociologist primarily seeks answers to how workers collectively respond to changes in the workplace. Subsequently, he or she will use information gathered from quantitative and qualitative research efforts to formulate theory and make recommendations for improving the work environment and working relationships. Objectively, work entails understanding how people relate to their jobs, including the roles, processes, and people involved.
Job descriptions for an industrial sociologist may vary depending on the company or organization hiring for the position. Generally, industrial sociologists are employed in government settings, but they may also work with private sector or even not-for-profit companies. While job descriptions for advertised positions are often inherently similar, often the key difference is the primary focus the organization wants to adopt. For example, a human resources department might hire an industrial sociologist to help write a new company handbook, leveraging his experience in applied theory with the aim of mitigating changes that could adversely affect the organization. On the other hand, a government organization might look to industrial sociologists to conduct research on how economic trends might impact national productivity.
The duties of an industrial sociologist, however, are generally very similar in nature, despite variation in job descriptions. Planning, directing and supervising research projects are often essential requirements. Analyzing the results of these and other studies related to a designated project is a close second, while drawing conclusions based on that analysis and communicating them to executive management or other members of the organization is often crucial to the objectives of the engagement. More often than not, the position will require interaction with a diverse range of people in a variety of environmental settings, from an office environment to perhaps working on an oil rig in the middle of an ocean.
The requirements to become an industrial sociologist will usually call for at least a master’s degree in sociology, while a doctorate is often sought after for director positions. Specialized programs in industrial sociology are rare; however, they are available and are usually identified alongside urban sociology at leading universities. Experience is also important for most employers, and this often means working in an internship during or immediately after graduate school.
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