Value, Theory, and Fact in Industrial Sociology

Abstract

Despite the disclaimers of industrial sociologists that their work is clinical and purely fact-finding, it inevitably contains implicit value judgments. "Harmony" and "co-operation" are identified with management's criteria of productive efficiency. In monopolistically competitive industry there may be considerable differences between private and social efficiency. Hence arrangements that are optimal from the point of view of those interested in human relations have been questioned by students with different values. Attention to value conflicts would lead to a more fruitful industrial sociology.