In this book, Ralf Dahrendorf outlines the scope and nature of industrial and enterprise sociology. It's a special branch of sociology that applies sociological theories to industrial contexts, particularly within modern factory systems. It focuses on the social structures within industry. Dahrendorf views industrial sociology not as a normative science (delivering "how-to" guidance), but as an empirical discipline producing insight for informed decision-making.

The historical emergence of the field

Early industrial critiques were delivered by figures like Ricardo and Marx. After that, there was the rise of empirical social research. Special attention is given to Elton Mayo and the Hawthorne Experiments, which shifted focus toward the "human factor" in industrial settings. Dahrendorf highlights Germany's role in developing a sociological perspective on workplace dynamics, distinguishing it from the more psychology-oriented approaches in the U.S. and U.K..

The industrial revolution and its long-term societal transformations

Mechanization, urbanization, and shifts in social organization (e.g., breakdown of traditional family units) created a new industrial society. Companies function as complex social systems. Formally, they have a functional structure (division of labor and cooperation), a scalar structure (hierarchies and authority), and a status system: social roles, positions, and hierarchy. Informally, there is a significant unofficial social structures that can support or undermine formal organization.

Dahrendorf sees conflict as a core component of industrial life. Structural tensions, role conflicts, and power asymmetries can lead to strikes, disputes, and passive resistance. Issues range from wages to workplace governance. There are regulations and institutional frameworks for conflict resolution, including Germany's Betriebsverfassung (works constitution).

Dahrendorf distinguishes the objective conditions of industrial work, e.g. environment, physical demands, and job security, from the subjective attitudes of workers, e.g. motivations, satisfaction, alienation, and identification with work. 

Finally, Dahrendorf connects industry to broader society. He argues that industrial systems cannot be understood in isolation. They reflect and influence social structures, values, and institutions. One needs to analyze the mutual penetration of economic and social life, seeing industrial development as both a driver and product of societal transformation.

Source:

Dahrendorf, R. (1962), Industrie- und Betriebssoziologie, 2. Auflage, Berlin: Walter de Gruyter.