scholarly journals The economic value of social capital

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (6) ◽  
pp. 870-887 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luminita Postelnicu ◽  
Niels Hermes
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Imperfect Information ◽  
Developing Economies ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Economic Value ◽  
Two Dimensions ◽  
Economic Perspective ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Individual Social Capital

Purpose Empirical studies on the importance of social capital for poor households show divergent outcomes. This divergence may stem from the lack of a conceptual framework for capturing the social capital dimensions that deliver economic value to individuals. The purpose of this paper is to define individual social capital from an economic perspective and propose a measurement based on two dimensions of individual social capital that bring economic value to individuals, i.e. informal risk insurance arrangements and information advantages arising from personal social networks. Design/methodology/approach The authors first provide a concrete definition of individual social capital and identifying social capital dimensions that are important from an economic perspective (i.e. dimensions that bring economic value to the individual). Next, the authors develop a new conceptual framework around this definition and propose a social capital measurement. Finally, the authors apply this measurement numerically to demonstrate that differences in the network configurations between individuals lead to asymmetry of social interactions between these individuals. Findings The authors show that the exchange of resources between two individuals is affected by their individual network configurations. In particular, the authors show that differing network configurations drive asymmetrical social interaction between individuals. Originality/value The approach may be especially relevant for understanding of the persistence of poverty and inequality in developing economies. These economies are characterized by environments in which imperfect information, underdeveloped or non-existent formal institutions and limited contract enforcement abound and where social capital may therefore be important to facilitate economic transactions. In particular, the authors see clear applications of the approach in better understanding and improving the use of microfinance programs.

Social capital in the theory and research of LIS professionals in the light of the literature on the subject. Review of current knowledge

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maja Dorota Wojciechowska
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Individual Social Capital ◽  
Rural Libraries ◽  
The Subject ◽  
The Moment ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of the paper is to present the latest scholarly trends in the field of social capital in libraries, to review research concepts published by LIS professionals and to suggest further research possibilities in this area. Design/methodology/approach This paper presents a review and critical analysis of literature associated with research on social capital in libraries to highlight its importance for the development of LIS and its impact on the functioning of environments linked with various types of libraries. The goal of literature analysis was to determine the current condition of research on social capital in libraries. The main trends were identified and the need for further qualitative analyses, which are missing at the moment, was confirmed. Findings It was determined that, so far, LIS professionals have focussed mainly on the role of municipal libraries in developing social capital, the problem of building trust, especially in immigrant circles and the impact of libraries on promoting a civil society. Academic libraries, rural libraries, organisational capital in libraries and individual social capital of librarians were a much less frequent subject of research. The role of libraries in developing social capital in educational (primary and secondary education) and professional (non-university professionals) circles is practically non-existent in research, and it will require in-depth studies and analyses in the coming years. Originality/value This paper constitutes a synthetic review of the latest research concepts concerning social capital in libraries. It identifies the most important research trends and areas that so far have not been explored and suggests research methods to help LIS professionals design future research in this area more effectively.

Determinants of the firm performance of returnee entrepreneurs in Somalia: the effects of external environmental conditions

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed-Abdullahi Mohamed ◽  
Asmat-Nizam Abdul-Talib ◽  
AfifahAlwani Ramlee
Keyword(s):  
Firm Performance ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Theoretical Background ◽  
Future Research ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Somali Diaspora ◽  
Post Conflict ◽  
Perceived Environmental Uncertainty

Purpose This study aims to examine the role of returning Somali diaspora entrepreneurs on firm performance and their perceived environmental obstacles. Design/methodology/approach The paper draws on a broad literature review and covers a theoretical background to develop a research framework. It presents several propositions to be empirically tested to determine the influence of returnee entrepreneurs’ success and the challenges they face in the process. Findings The paper offers an overview of how Somali diaspora returnee entrepreneurs can use their resources to succeed in their business and the possible environmental uncertainties that could hinder them. The study highlights some under-researched areas and provides future research directions. Research limitations/implications A research investigation is needed to test the proposed conceptual framework empirically. Further research is also recommended to use other predictors when investigating the perceived environmental uncertainty faced by returnee entrepreneurs. Practical implications In the diaspora entrepreneurship literature, returnee entrepreneurs in post-conflict African countries did not get enough attention. Hence, the study will contribute theoretically to the literature. Originality/value The paper provides a conceptual framework that will help understand returnee entrepreneurs in post-conflict states in Africa, paving the way for empirical studies on the topic.

Enhancing internal communication to build social capital amongst hospitality employees – the role of social media

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (12) ◽  
pp. 2675-2695 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ceridwyn King ◽  
Hyemi Lee
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Hospitality Industry ◽  
Internal Communication ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Empirical Examination ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Current Practices

Purpose Adopting a social capital theoretical (SCT) lens, this study aims to propose a conceptual framework of effective internal communication (IC) for the hospitality industry. The study explores how to enhance current practices and the suitability of social media as an augmentation to traditional IC channels. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative research methodology, consisting of 20 semi-structured interviews with hospitality employees, was adopted. Following a “reduction” and “interpretation” process, 16 themes related to effective IC were identified which informed a conceptual framework. Findings Characteristics of effective IC were identified in addition to IC benefits at both employee and organizational levels. Considering the limitations of current practices, the applicability of social media was explored. Requirements of effective IC suggest that new channels (e.g. social media) should be adopted to build social capital. Research limitations/implications The study informs SCT from a meso-level (process) perspective. The articulation of an IC framework informs how social capital can be built through effective IC, providing a foundation for further empirical examination as to the impact of various channels on the IC process. Adoption of a case study design suggests that results and implications can only be generalized to similar environments. Practical implications The study details the characteristics of effective IC and its subsequent benefits, highlighting how social media can augment current IC practices in a hospitality organization. Originality/value Being a 24/7 labor-intensive operation makes employee communication to ensure service excellence challenging in the hospitality industry. Through the application of SCT and the exploration of social media in a workplace setting to enhance IC, significant theoretical and practical insights are realized.

The role of social capital in augmenting strategic renewal of SMEs: does entrepreneurial orientation and organizational flexibility really matter?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Samar Hayat Khan ◽  
Abdul Majid ◽  
Muhammad Yasir ◽  
Asad Javed ◽  
Hassan Ahmed Shah
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Entrepreneurial Orientation ◽  
Developing Economies ◽  
The Body ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Organizational Flexibility ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Strategic Renewal ◽  
Organizational Social Capital

PurposeThe objective of this study is to evaluate the key issues that how social capital augments the initiation of strategic renewal through the mediating role of entrepreneurial orientation and the moderating role of organizational flexibility. In the context of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) of developing economies, the study developed and tested the theoretical model of strategic renewal for analyzing its major outputs.Design/methodology/approachThis study utilized cross-sectional design and employ quantitative approach. The data were collected from the owner, managers and executive directors of pharmaceutical SMEs of Pakistan. The study used statistical analysis of correlation and regression for the analysis of data.FindingsThe study discovered that entrepreneurial orientation mediates the positive relationship of social capital and strategic renewal. Moreover, high organizational flexibility strengthens the association between social capital and strategic renewal of SMEs.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the body of knowledge by providing empirical evidence that how to thrive the mechanism of strategic renewal. The study further provides understanding of the effects of organizational social capital, entrepreneurial orientation and organizational flexibility on strategic renewal.

Conceptualising employee involvement in service innovation: an integrative review

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marit Engen ◽  
Lars Fuglsang ◽  
Tiina Tuominen ◽  
Jon Sundbo ◽  
Jørn Kjølseth Møller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Research Agenda ◽  
Employee Involvement ◽  
Service Innovation ◽  
Two Dimensions ◽  
Innovation Activity ◽  
Theoretical Understanding ◽  
Innovation Studies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Innovation Activities

PurposeEmployees are considered as important contributors to service innovation, but the literature is not unanimous about what employee involvement in service innovation entails. To advance theoretical understanding of the topic, this paper develops a conceptual framework for analysing employee involvement in service innovations, reviews existing research on the topic and proposes a research agenda.Design/methodology/approachDifferent modes of employee involvement in service innovation are distinguished based on two dimensions: (1) the intensity of employee influence on service innovation and (2) the breadth of the innovation activity in which employees are involved. This conceptual framework is abductively developed through a literature review of empirical service innovation studies to identify and analyse whether and how these modes of employee involvement are manifested in the service innovation literature.FindingsThe findings delineate six modes of employee involvement in the reviewed service innovation studies. Employees are primarily seen as having a strong influence on situated innovation activities but a limited influence on systemic innovation activities. The findings show that more research is needed to assess the connections between different modes of employee involvement.Practical implicationsThe findings can be used by practitioners to assess the possibilities different modes of employee involvement may bring to service innovation activities.Originality/valueThe proposed conceptual framework and the analysis of current research and research gaps in service innovation studies provide a clear research agenda for progressing multidimensional understanding of employee involvement in service innovation.

scholarly journals Knowledge management activities in social enterprises: lessons for small and non-profit firms

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 376-396 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria L. Granados ◽  
Souad Mohamed ◽  
Vlatka Hlupic
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Economic Value ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Non Profit ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
The Creation ◽  
Social Environmental ◽  
The Uk

Purpose This paper aims to explore what social enterprises (SEs) in the UK know and how they acquire, convert, apply and protect this knowledge. This will enable them to manage their knowledge effectively and, hence, improve their practices and maximise the creation of social, environmental and economic value. Design/methodology/approach This study follows a qualitative approach, comprising 21 interviews with founders and senior members of SEs in the UK. Findings The results show that the investigated SEs have knowledge management (KM) practices similar to the already identified in SMEs, associated with informality, reliance on external sources and focus on socialisation activities, but they have unique challenges on managing their knowledge related to their hybrid mission, to include social and economic objectives and their closed relationship with stakeholders. Research limitations/implications As there is limited research on KM practices in SEs; they were defined based on previous studies in large, private and public companies. Therefore, not all practices may be included. This research is a starting point in the study of KM in SEs. Practical implications This study identifies knowledge activities that enable the creation of social, environmental and economic value in SEs. This allows SEs, small firms and non-profit organisations to review their current practices and develop plans for their further improvement. Originality/value This paper is one of the first empirical studies exploring KM practices in SEs, highlighting their informal nature as well as their impact in and on the enterprise.

Description–experience gap under imperfect information

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 1151-1170
Author(s):  
Jing Du ◽  
Qi Wang ◽  
Qian Shi
Keyword(s):  
Imperfect Information ◽  
Two Dimensions ◽  
Integrative Model ◽  
Information Representation ◽  
Information Uncertainty ◽  
Sampling Errors ◽  
Behavioral Experiments ◽  
Capital Projects ◽  
Industrial Facilities ◽  
Content Type

Purpose Capital project delivery, such as the delivery of transportation networks and industrial facilities, often suffers losses due to overly aggressive planning. Planners often are overly optimistic about the chance of success while underestimating risks. The purpose of this paper is to examine the hypothesis that these biases are from the difficulties most decision makers face when interpreting probabilistic information. Design/methodology/approach Three behavioral experiments were conducted to test the theoretical fitness of the paradigms proposed by the description–experience gap literature, namely, the sampling errors effect, the recency effect and statistical information format. College students were recruited to participate in a series of estimating tasks. And their estimating results were compared given different levels of information completeness. Findings It was found that the existing paradigms could predict risk decision making in the risk-averse estimating scenarios where test subjects were required to give a relatively conservative estimate, but they seemed to be less effective in predicting decisions in the risk-seeking estimating scenario, where test subjects were asked to give a relatively aggressive estimate. Originality/value Based on these findings, an integrative model is proposed to explain the observations pertaining to aggressive planning in capital projects. Two dimensions are deemed to be relevant: including risk-taking intentions, and an information uncertainty continuum that ranges from an implicit experience-based information representation to an explicit description-based information representation.

Children’s agency in building social capital and collective actions

2019 ◽  
Vol 119 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-50
Author(s):  
Nanna Wurr Stjernqvist ◽  
Ane Høstgaard Bonde ◽  
Ellen Trolle ◽  
Marianne Sabinsky ◽  
Helle Terkildsen Maindal
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
School Context ◽  
Research Strategy ◽  
Educational Process ◽  
Collective Actions ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Educational Processes ◽  
Children’S Agency

Purpose Whole-school approaches emphasising pupil participation are recognised as being conducive for building social capital, yet how participatory health educational processes relate to different types of social capital remains unclear. The purpose of this paper is to explore which mechanisms within a participatory health educational process influence social capital and collective actions in the school context, and to discuss children’s agency in such processes. Design/methodology/approach A multiple case study design, with the Danish “We Act – Together for Health” intervention, considered as an instrumental case regarding participatory health educational processes for children, principally since it applied the participatory Investigation–Vision–Action–Change (IVAC) methodology. The paper is based on a theory-driven, abductive research strategy. Qualitative methods, including focus group interviews with children, semi-structured interviews with teachers and school principals, and participant observation were used. Findings The study’s conceptual framework, which elucidates several mechanisms that interact with types of social capital and collective actions within the school setting, indicates that working with child participation through the IVAC methodology can influence types of social capital and collective actions. It also emphasises children’s limited agency in terms of affecting bridging and linking social capital, norms of reciprocity and collective actions without sufficient support mechanisms at the school and class levels. Originality/value The study provides a novel comprehensive conceptual framework identifying the specific mechanisms at different levels that influence social capital and collective actions.

Consumer engagement with eWOM on social media: the role of social capital

2018 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. 482-505 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaniv Gvili ◽  
Shalom Levy
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Second Order ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Consumer Engagement ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Order Construct ◽  
Channel Type

Purpose The nature of digital media channels are important factors in explaining consumers’ behavior over the Web, and specifically on social network sites (SNS). The purpose of this paper is to propose a conceptual framework explaining consumer engagement with electronic word of mouth (eWOM) communication via SNS, based on key attributes of this media channel. Design/methodology/approach Based on the expectancy value theory (EVT), a conceptual framework is proposed to model the effect of eWOM channel attributes on eWOM engagement process. Consumer eWOM engagement is conceptualized as a second-order construct. A structural equation modeling procedure was employed to empirically test the model using data collected from two social media communication channels. Findings First, results suggest that engagement with eWOM can be conceptualized as a second-order construct based on user tendency to receive or share eWOM with other network members. Second, the path analysis model supports the employment of EVT and shows that two key attributes of eWOM channels, social capital and credibility, significantly affect consumer attitude toward eWOM via SNS. Attitude toward eWOM, in turn, affects eWOM engagement. Third, SNS channel type moderates the effect on attitude. Practical implications Marketing communication practitioners should note that the strength of social ties plays a key role in spreading eWOM on SNS effectively. This insight should be employed a part of social media marketing strategy. Originality/value This is first research that models the effect of social media attributes on eWOM engagement and demonstrates the moderating role of channel type. The model is highly valuable in light of the importance of the concept of engagement in internet research.

Indicators to assess organizational resilience – a review of empirical literature

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (2/3) ◽  
pp. 85-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khalil Rahi
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Adaptive Capacity ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Critical Infrastructure ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Two Dimensions ◽  
The Other ◽  
Empirical Literature ◽  
Organizational Resilience ◽  
Content Type

Purpose This paper aims to explore the empirical literature on organizational resilience. The goal consists of identifying and understanding the indicators used to evaluate organizational resilience and instigating the development of indicators to assess resilience in other areas, such as project management and critical infrastructure. Design/methodology/approach A review of recent empirical studies is conducted to collect information on the indicators used to assess organizational resilience. Findings A range of interrelated indicators aiming to measure organizational resilience in two dimensions is shown in this literature review: awareness and adaptive capacity. Awareness is the ability of an organization to assess its environment and interpret the changes in its surroundings, both now and in the future, to be proactive and better manage possible disruptive events. On the other hand, adaptive capacity is the organization’s capacity to transform its structure, processes, culture, etc. for recovering once faced with a disruptive event. Awareness forms the main base of the organization’s adaptive capacity. Originality/value Organizational resilience contributes to the safe development of the built environment. This concept helps organizations to cope with disruptions. However, little research has been conducted on the indicators to assess organizational resilience, in different fields. Moreover, these indicators’ credibility is based on empirical studies.

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