THEORY EXAMINATION (SEM–IV) 2016-17 INDUSTRIAL SOCIOLOGY

Course: B.Tech (All Branches – Core Humanities Elective)
Subject Code: EHU402
Subject Title: Industrial Sociology
Exam Type: Theory (Semester IV, 2016–17)
Duration: 3 Hours
Maximum Marks: 100

Instruction: Be precise in your answer.

SECTION – A (10 × 2 = 20 Marks)

Short, direct questions testing definitions and conceptual clarity.

SECTION – B (5 × 10 = 50 Marks)

Descriptive and analytical questions examining understanding of industrial relations, discipline, and organizational structure.

2(a) Impact of Industrial Disputes on the Economy

Leads to loss of production, revenue, and labor time.

Creates social unrest and reduces foreign investment confidence.

Affects national productivity and living standards.

2(b) Joint Management Councils

Formed to encourage labor–management cooperation.

Functions include:

Discussing welfare, training, and safety.

Improving efficiency and productivity.

Reducing conflict through dialogue.

2(c) Causes of Indiscipline in Indian Industries

Poor leadership, unfair labor practices, lack of communication, or low morale.

Suggestions: Transparent policies, effective grievance handling, and employee motivation.

2(d) Industrialization in India Since Independence

Post-1947 focus on public sector growth, industrial policy resolutions, and liberalization (1991).

Led to modernization, employment growth, and global integration.

2(e) Weapons Used by Management Against Workers

Lockouts, transfers, dismissals, blacklisting.

Justification depends on whether used fairly and legally to maintain discipline.

2(f) Management Policies & Grievance Causes

Causes: wage issues, promotion, work conditions.

Policies: grievance redressal committees, open-door communication, timely resolution.

2(g) Tripartite Machinery and Code of Discipline

Tripartite System: Involves government, employers, and workers — e.g., Indian Labour Conference (ILC).

Code of Discipline: Mutual agreement to maintain industrial peace, avoid strikes/lockouts during negotiations.

SECTION – C (2 × 15 = 30 Marks)

In-depth analytical or policy-related essay-type questions.

3. Works Committees and Joint Management Councils

Works Committees: Mandated under the Industrial Disputes Act (1947).

Promote goodwill, address day-to-day issues, and improve worker–management cooperation.

Joint Management Councils: Broader forums for policy discussion and productivity enhancement.

Review: Mixed success due to limited worker participation and management’s reluctance to share authority.

4. Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy (India 2013)

Aims for inclusive growth through research and technological advancement.

Focus:

Strengthen R&D infrastructure.

Encourage private–public partnerships.

Promote innovation in sustainable development sectors.

5. Settlement of Industrial Disputes

Methods include:
 Collective Bargaining
 Conciliation
 Arbitration
 Adjudication

Most Effective: Collective bargaining — builds trust and long-term cooperation between labor and management.

Key Topics Summary

Summary

The Industrial Sociology (EHU402) paper integrates social and managerial aspects of industrial development.
It aims to build understanding of how social behavior, worker participation, and industrial policies shape productivity and harmony in modern industries.