West Virginia Universitys Rachael Woldoff has found a unique connection between two fields that hardly seem compatible: sociology and business.

Sociological Competencies and Business Careers: Toward an Expanded Dialogue,is the name of the study penned by the WVU assistant professor of sociology and a colleague, Robert L. Litchfield, assistant professor of management at Washington and Jefferson College.

The pairs research will be published in an upcoming issue ofThe American Sociologist,a prominent journal in the field.

Drs. Woldoff and Litchfield used a cross-disciplinary approach and multiple sources of data to investigate and outline how undergraduate sociological study provides a comparative advantage to students who are preparing for careers in business.

What they found are three core competencies that the study of sociology helps develop: structural consciousness, scientific thinking, and appreciation for diversity.

Such a mindset, Woldoff said, is critical, since many non-business majors have to learn how to existand coexistwith people from all walks in a broad range of organizational environments.

For more information, contact Woldoff , rachael.woldoff@mail.wvu.edu or 304-293-5801.

Woldoff teaches in WVU s Division of Sociology and Anthropology, which is housed in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences.