Professor publishes findings
on relationship between sociology, business

Morgantown, WV, August 11, 2006:  Dr. Rachael A. Woldoff has found a unique connection between the seemingly unrelated fields of sociology and business.

Woldoff, an assistant professor of sociology in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences at WVU, and Dr. Robert L. Litchfield, assistant professor of management at Washington and Jefferson College, will have the findings of their research on “Sociological Competencies and Business Careers: Toward an Expanded Dialogue” published in an upcoming issue of The American Sociologist, a prominent sociology journal.

Woldoff and Litchfield used a cross-disciplinary approach and multiple sources of data to investigate and outline how undergraduate sociological study provides a comparative advantage to students who are preparing for careers in business. They have found that there are three core competencies that the study of sociology helps students to develop: structural consciousness, scientific thinking, and appreciation for diversity.

According to Woldoff, many non-business majors will eventually find jobs in the private sector. Therefore, it is critical for educators and prospective sociology majors to consider the degree to which undergraduate sociological study prepares individuals to function effectively within a broad range of organizational environments, including for-profit enterprises. The journal article will specifically address the ways that sociology prepares students for business.

For more information, please contact Dr. Woldoff at rachael.woldoff@mail.wvu.edu or at 304-293-5801.

W-V-U