Social processes: classical theory and current importance

While evolution of mankind accompanied by sophistication of social relations, world community’s structure and by the development of scientific and technological potential, scientific knowledge assumes greater importance, particularly studying factors and consistencies of social processes. For the Russian Federation it is particularly topical due to specific mental features of the Russian society and peculiarities of social and territorial structure characterized by significant differentiation in various criteria - beginning with the level of economic development and regions’ geographic location and ending with cultural and value characteristics of their communities. The article presents a brief analysis of main theoretical concepts of social processes, considers their structure, consistencies, features, classifications, and methodological approaches to studying. The authors conclude that at present the efficiency of any managerial decision depends on its scientific rationale; therefore accomplishment of the balance between theoretic scientific knowledge and expedience (correspondence with reality) becomes relevant. The authors highlight that academic science must not only “accompany” practical decisions of management, but become involved in all stages of managerial decisions-making.