This document discusses key elements of the socio-cultural environment of business in India. It identifies social institutions and systems, changing social values and norms, education and cultural attitudes, the social responsibility of the government, social groups and movements, and social problems and their prospects as major elements that shape business. Business must consider the social cost-benefit of development as society transitions between pre-industrial, modern industrial, and post-industrial stages.

1. CriticalElementsin the Socio–Cultural
Environmentof Business
-Rehan Sheikh

2. Introduction

3. 1.SocialInstitutions and Systems
It includes the caste system, the joint family system, child
marriage, the patriarchal family and the like that have evolved over time
through history, culture and heritage.

4. 2. SocialValuesand Moves
Changing social values and moves are beginning to question the basics of
the age old social institutions and systems. Customs, traditions and
convention are not rigid anymore.

5. 3. Educationand Cultural
Attitudes towards education, need for business education, role of business
schools, spread of business education and their impact on business ethics,
business morality and organizational culture are again major elements of
socio-cultural environment of business.

6. 4. TheSocialResponsibilityof the Government
Growing levels of achievement and aspiration have to be bridged through a
continuous and relentless social effort, keeping in view the social welfare and
social constraints. This is where the role of the government comes in.

7. 5. SocialGroups andSocialMovements
In a society, individuals form groups on the basis of caste, creed, religion,
language, trade and professions etc. In a pluralistic society like ours (with
differences in food, dress, language, religion and sub-cultures); a dual
economy (the ‘traditional co-existing with the modern); technology dualism
(bullock carts along with airbuses). These reflect a unique socio-economic
order in India.

8. 6. Socialproblemsand Prospects
These are often offshoots of a changing socio-economic order. As society
mover from “pre-industrial” to “post-industrial” stage of development, poor
housing and sanitation, urban congestion, population and increasing
incidence of antisocial activities. What is, therefore, need is a social cost-
benefit analysis of industrial development.

9. SocialResponsibilitiesof Business
Pre Industrial Society
Modern Industrial
Society
Post Industrial Society