Social Organizations

Social Organization is a broadly defined subject in the discipline of sociology, and as such, it is difficult to provide a concise description of the area. Typically, research on social organization focuses on formal or informal organizations, and qualitative as well as quantitative approaches to the subject are appreciated. Many of the typical for-profit and non-profit organizations that individuals encounter are considered "formal organizations," while "informal organizations" relate to organizations like voluntary associations or more ephemeral types of social movement organizations. Much of the research on national governments (or states), religions, and educational institutions can also be classified under the heading of "social organization". Similarly, the large literature on organizational behavior, with its explorations of human motivation and leadership (derived primarily from graduate schools of business) can also be considered a part of the area.

In addition to examining a variety of different types of organization, researchers emphasize different aspects of the organization. Some researchers pay particular attention to the individuals involved in various types of organizations. For instance, a large body of literature explores the relationship between workers and managers (owners). Other organizational researchers study the organization itself as the unit of analysis. Such studies might consider organizational structure, processes, and output, and range from in-depth examinations of a single organization and its environment, to studies of populations of organizations.