Surveys reveal dramatic shifts in social attitudes toward issues such as gay marriage

Surveys reveal dramatic shifts in social attitudes toward issues such as gay marriage and
citizenship for illegal immigrants. How do you think these changing attitudes might affect the
manager’s job over the next few years?



Answer



The sociocultural dimension of the general environment represents the demographic
characteristics, norms, customs, and values of the general population. Today’s demographic
profiles are the foundation of tomorrow’s workforce and consumers. By understanding these
profiles and addressing them in the organization’s business plans, managers prepare their
organizations for long-term success. Smart managers consider how the following sociocultural
trends are changing the consumer and business landscape.



Managers will have to take into consideration that young people are leading the trend toward
widespread social equality. Support for gay marriage increased to 53 percent from 30 percent in
2004, and a number of states already have passed laws allowing same sex marriage. Another poll
shows that 57 percent of people support a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants.