Essay Sample on Using Sociological Theory to Understand Organizational Change

Organizational change is inevitable today, as corporations struggle to adapt to some desired state in an endeavor to remain competitive (Market Business News, 2019). Although many sociological theories affect organizational change, this discussion focuses on conflict theory, symbolic interaction theory, and the functionalist perspective. Markedly, the researcher considers the functionalism theory as the best sociological perspective that explains organizational change in society.

Is your time best spent reading someone else’s essay? Get a 100% original essay FROM A CERTIFIED WRITER!

Order now

Conflict Theory

Proposed by Karl Marx, the conflict theory claims that society is always in a state of conflict because of the never-ending competition for limited resources (Dunn, 2010). Myriads of changes have been made in various aspects of society, and this theory can be adopted to explain them. For instance, the relationship between a housing landlord and the tenant is one that can be viewed on the perspective of conflict theory. In this example, the finite resources that may contribute to conflict between the two parties include limited space for construction, a limited number of units, and money for paying rent. Thus, it impacts organizational change in such a way that it creates a division among the various members.

Symbolic Interaction

Symbolic interaction, founded by George Herbert Mead, is a theory that is used to provide insight of how individuals make sense of the world around them, by correctly employing aspects that they have developed from a multiplicity of contexts that they have encountered (Dunn, 2010).

Markedly, symbolic interaction theory provides opportunities for understanding different socializing experiences in society. For instance, many youths love iPhone, and symbolic interactionist theorist might suggest that youths learn that iPhones are the best phones through their interactions with peers, family members, or at school. Thus, the symbolic interaction theory impacts organizational change in such a way that an organization can leverage technologies and bring new innovative products that they believe will attract more customers as well as increase their loyalty in the purchasing their products.

Functionalism Sociological Perspective

The history of this sociological perspective traces its origin from the works of Emile Durkheim. The theory posits that all aspects of society interrelate and they contribute to the whole functioning of the society (Mooney, Knox & Schacht, 2007). For instance, the state provides health facilities to the public, which in turn pays tax on which the government depends on to execute its functions.

Functionalism affects organizational change in the sense that the introduction of a new aspect (new technologies) contributes positively to the competitive advantage of the organization (Mooney, Knox & Schacht, 2007). For instance, technology ensures customers stay updated on the latest stock available as well make purchases online.

Based on this analysis, I believe that the functionalist perspective is the one that explains the best organizational changes in society. This is because people are able to find critical information on the internet the latest stock of products available in the store, and their prices.

References

Dunn, R. (2010). The three sociological paradigms/perspectives. Retrieved from Connexions website: http://cnx. org/content/m33962/latest.

Market Business News. (2019). What Is Organizational Change? Definition And Meaning. Retrieved from https://marketbusinessnews.com/financial-glossary/organizational-change-definition-meaning/

Mooney, L. A., Knox, D., & Schacht, C. (2007). The three main sociological perspectives. Understanding Social Problems, 1-2. Retrieved from https://laulima.hawaii.edu/access/content/user/kfrench/sociology/The%20Three%20Main%20Sociological%20Perspectives.pdf