Applied Theory Paper

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In the work place, the employees exhibit unity through Weber’s concept of value-rational action. This can be related to the employers becoming your second family. According to Dillon, “Value-rational action occurs when an individual or group, organization, or whole society values some ideal or belief such that they decide to rationally act on that value, to demonstrate their commitment to that value, regardless of the expected or unexpected cost of that action to them” (129). For example, if a co-worker were to stand up for another co-worker there are several negative possibilities that can occur. Employees feel obligated to stand up for one another against outsiders because they share a commonality. People are quick to stand by their co-workers for no apparent reason other than the fact that they work in the same environment. After working together for so long, most are committed not only to the work environment but also to each other indefinitely. They remain loyal to their co-workers and have a sense of respect towards one another. People outside the restaurant industry often label customers as irrational simply because they exist outside of the workplace. The emotions that waiters exhibit about customers are amplified by the emotions that customers present to the waiters.

Humans are willing to prey on human emotions just to get what they want. Dillon defines non-rational action as any “behavior motivated by emotion and/or tradition rather than reasoned judgement” (151). Some customers are willing to say or do anything just to get an item for free. This act demonstrates how customers use strong emotion towards a waiter to express discontent. Some restaurant owners do not see the waiters point-of-view when a customer expresses their emotions. There is a popular phrase in the restaurant industry that the “customer is always right.” This phrase is stating that when a customer expresses his or her emotions that the waiter should always consider them first and then take action on the problem. It is important to keep the customers’ business and ensure satisfaction, however at the end of the day it still a respectable business. Consumers cannot rely on emotion alone to get what they want.

Karl Marx’s theoretical concepts are more convincing because they are backed by more substantial evidence than Weber’s. Weber’s concepts are based more on human emotions. Marx’s concepts have withstood the test of time by showing relevance in early eras. Capitalism and gender inequality have been around for centuries and is still around to this day. Weber’s theories are based on emotions rather than Marx’s theories that are based more on human quality. Individuals are determined by their strength and capability to carry out duties. Although the concept of genders being able to perform a certain task based solely on gender is outdated, it is still a highly recognized concept throughout society.

Works Cited

Dillon, Michele. Introduction to Sociological Theory: Theorists, Concepts, and their Applicability to the Twenty-First Century. Blackwell Publishing. 2014. Print.

Jayaraman, Saru. "The Hidden Cost of Waiting Tables." Time, vol. 187, no. 3, 2/1/201 p. 23. EBSCOhost,ezproxy.latech.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?d

Mutari, Ellen, William Fraher, and Heather Boushey. Gender and Political Economy: Incorporating Diversity into Theory and Policy. Armonk, NY: Sharpe, 1997. Print.