Management Thoughts: The Review of Social Action Theory

Abstract

Sociology is not confined to study of social action alone; it studies certain other factors as well. The basic fact is that social action is that action that is social in nature and in so far as by virtue of the subjective meaning attached to it by acting individual, it takes account of the behaviour of others and is thereby oriented in its course. The theory of social action is a good pointer into the understanding the thoughts in management, most especially production management. This study assessed the social action theory with respect to the four factors underpinning the theory. Contents analysis was adopted by reviewing the available literature in the field of this study. Managers and those charged with governance of any organisation would find this study useful, most especially how the social action theory’s four factor could be used to understand the behaviour of workers and how effective management of same could lead to increase in value of the organisation in terms of profitability and growth. Social action theory gives researchers better understanding of actions behind human behaviour, which may be traditional, affective, value or rational.

Keywords: Social Action, Theories, Sociology, Management Thoughts, Production

JEL Classification: M40, M41, M49