Sociology assignment 1
1. In Sociology what is the difference between examining social life at the micro-level, macro-level, and global-level? Provide an example to illustrate how the three levels of analysis might apply to the same social phenomenon.
In sociology, there are three levels in which social life is examined, micro-level, macro-level, and global-level. The micro-level examines social dynamics of face to face interactions between people. The macro-level studies the larger scale dynamics of social interactions that occur within a society. At the global level, social life is examined through the structures and processes that occur beyond states and specific societies. However, it is common that more than one level may apply when
…show more content…The sociological topic of the strength of the current separatist movement in Quebec exemplifies an issue that requires a careful selection of the methodical process when studying. The four methodologies are surveys, experiments, field research, and secondary data analysis. In order to achieve valid and reliable results, we must have a large sample group that accurately represents Quebec as a whole. An extensive survey is strong at producing large and representative sample sizes. Due to its advantages when dealing with large and representative sample sizes, an extensive survey would best suit the methodology when studying the issue of the current separatist movement in …show more content…
Of those, the majority are not in favor of separating. However, the separatist movement is still an important social issue. There are potentially many variables that are the cause of this issue. Hypothetically, some Quebecers may feel the policies of the Canadian government do not reflect the wants and needs of French-Canada. Others may be protecting the French language and traditions from getting lost in the culturalization of Canada. Different cities within Quebec may have different attitudes towards separating, due to the difference in the percentage of people who speak English in the city. In order to determine the wide-range of causes for the issue of the separatist movement, it is imperative to have a large sample size that is representative of the different cities and cultures within Quebec.
Due to this issues need of a large sample size and representation of Quebec, it is best to choose a survey as a methodology. It would be possible to reach thousands of subjects in Quebec to take part in a questionnaire. The questionnaire could be purposefully sent to different areas in Quebec to account for the different cultures within the province. The questions could ask a wide range of questions from, their views on politics, whether they speak French at home, or their age. These questions, along with others, given to the sample could help us gain insight into the causes of the separatist
While microenvironment has a direct impact on business activities, the macro environment is a general business environment, which influences all business groups at large. It is important to learn the business environment, so as to understand the effect of various forces on business. Take a read of the given article to know the difference between microenvironment and macro environment.
- Comparison Chart
- Definition
- Key Differences
- Conclusion
Comparison Chart
Meaning | Micro environment is defined as the nearby environment, under which the firm operates. | Macro environment refers to the general environment, that can affect the working of all business enterprises. |
Elements | COSMIC, i.e. Competitors, Organization itself, Suppliers, Market, Intermediaries and Customers. | PESTLE, i.e. Political, Economic, Socio-cultural, Technological, Legal and Environmental. |
Nature of elements | Specific | General |
Are these factors controllable? | Yes, but to some extent only | No |
Influence | Directly and Regularly | Indirectly and Distantly |
Definition of Micro Environment
Microenvironment refers to the environment which is in direct contact with the business organization and can affect the routine activities of business straight away. It is associated with a small area in which the firm functions.
The microenvironment is a collection of all the forces that are close to the firm. These forces are very particular for the said business only. They can influence the performance and day to day operations of the company, but for the short term only. Its elements include suppliers, competitors, marketing intermediaries, customers and the firm itself.
Micro Environment
- Suppliers are the ones who provide inputs to the business like raw material, equipment and so on.
- Competitors are the rivals, which compete with the firm in the market and resources as well.
- Marketing intermediaries may include wholesalers, distributors, and retailers that make a link between the firm and the customers.
- Customers / Consumers are the ones who purchase the goods for their own consumption. They are considered as the king of business.
- The firm itself is an aggregate of a number of elements like owners like shareholders or investors, employees and the board of directors.
Definition of Macro Environment
The general environment within the economy that influences the working, performance, decision making and strategy of all business groups at the same time is known as Macro Environment. It is dynamic in nature. Therefore it keeps on changing.
It constitutes those outside forces that are not under the control of the firm but have a powerful impact on the firm’s functioning. It consists of individuals, groups, organizations, agencies and others with which the firm deals during the course of its business.
Macro Environment
The study of Macro Environment is known as PESTLE Analysis. PESTLE stands for the variables that exist in the environment, i.e. Political, Economic, Socio-cultural, Technological, Legal and Environmental. These variables, consider both economic and non-economic factors like social concerns, government policies, family structure, population size, inflation, GDP aspects, income distribution, ethnic mix, political stability, taxes, and duties, etc.
Key Differences Between Micro Environment and Macro Environment
The following are the major difference between micro and macro environment:
- The microenvironment is the environment which is in immediate contact with the firm. The environment which is not specific to a particular firm but can influence the working of all the business groups is known as Macro Environment.
- The factors of the microenvironment affect the particular business only, but the macro-environmental factors affect all the business entities.
- The microenvironmental factors are controllable by the business but to some extent only. However, the macroeconomic variables are uncontrollable.
- The elements of the microenvironment affect directly and regularly to the firm which is just opposite in the case of the macro environment.
- The study of the microenvironment is described as COSMIC analysis. Conversely, PESTLE Analysis is a study of the macro environment.
Conclusion
Microenvironment and macro environment, both cover the overall environment of business. So, they are more complementary rather than contradictory. The study of these environments will help to know the strength, weakness, opportunity and threat of business.