Sociological Imagination
The sociological imagination (SI) has a high degree of relevance to the contemporary workplace. This is underpinned by the basic nature of contemporary workplaces to undertake socialisation to achieve business results (Watson 2010 & Van Kreikenm et al. 2006 ). Clarity will be formed around defining the SI and key examples given of its application. The role of a human resource manager (HRM) will be used to logically develop a supporting argument. Additionally exploration of how the SI goes beyond what typical HRM theory delivers is considered. To build on the relevance of the SI to HRM a focus is draw from the function of recruitment and selection. Concluding with how globalisation and modern society has influenced the SI and is application to HRM (Fuller 2006).
The sociological imagination can easily be presented in an over sophisticated manner and misunderstood in application. To avoid such errors for the reader, early clarification is essential. The SI can be explained as a perspective of looking at the world through a sociological vision or lens concerned with exploring individual dilemmas and the relationship to public issues in a context of biography, change, history and social structures. These dilemmas are based on social, political and economic issues or influences (Mills 1959). This principle can be illustrated with the following short and precise examples. When individuals choose not to undertake higher education; society has less qualified individuals, productivity falls and the bar is lowered. When institutions continuously raise award and minimum wages individuals are made redundant whilst others receive greater economic return for their labour. As one lives out their biography they encounter a range of issues. Most are unaware that the issues they are facing are strongly related to the time they are living in and its connection to social structures (Watson 2010 & Kebede 2009). Mills (1956) also uses the notation of The Power Elite to make a
The sociological imagination can easily be presented in an over sophisticated manner and misunderstood in application. To avoid such errors for the reader, early clarification is essential. The SI can be explained as a perspective of looking at the world through a sociological vision or lens concerned with exploring individual dilemmas and the relationship to public issues in a context of biography, change, history and social structures. These dilemmas are based on social, political and economic issues or influences (Mills 1959). This principle can be illustrated with the following short and precise examples. When individuals choose not to undertake higher education; society has less qualified individuals, productivity falls and the bar is lowered. When institutions continuously raise award and minimum wages individuals are made redundant whilst others receive greater economic return for their labour. As one lives out their biography they encounter a range of issues. Most are unaware that the issues they are facing are strongly related to the time they are living in and its connection to social structures (Watson 2010 & Kebede 2009). Mills (1956) also uses the notation of The Power Elite to make a