Do social capital and networks facilitate community participation?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mudit Kumar Singh ◽  
James Moody

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to find theoretical and practical linkages between social capital, network and community participation. The study examines the role of popular social capital and its forms in shaping community participation under the influence of socioeconomic status of individuals.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses household survey data (N = 135) from select north Indian villages to assess the role of social capital and individuals’ networks (measured through their network size) in participation. The participation is measured in terms of attendance and vocal participation.FindingsThe study finds significant evidence that the networks do not play a uniform role in collective participation. The elitist form of social capital exists in the community which can leverage the networks to their benefit, whereas many people, despite large network size, cannot actively participate. Social capital and networks are not entirely conducive for collective participation and favours a few in the community. Additionally, networks do facilitate information flow but do not help in achieving active engagement. Hence, the peer effect is not truly reflected in vocal participation all the time, especially in local governance context.Research limitations/implicationsThe conclusion of the study is based on small sample size from seven villages. Nonetheless, in light of the supporting literature available, it provides useful insights and triggers important questions that need microscopic analysis under the macroscopic umbrella of social capital.Practical implicationsOn policy fronts, takeaway from this paper can be used for policy and law formulation for lower strata of the society such as labour law formulation and labour behavioural practices in community participation.Social implicationsThe research findings can be utilized for the emerging applications of social networks in understanding local governance and community engagement in developing societies.Originality/valueThis research has used a novel field experiment conducted by one of the authors himself. The empirical assessment of social capital and networks in local governance can be replicated elsewhere to study participation in other societies as well. In terms of policy, the research underscores the need of using social capital notion while assessing the community engagement in local governance.

Author(s):  
Shirley C. Sonesh ◽  
Angelo S. DeNisi

Purpose – Although several authors have suggested that host country nationals (HCNs) play an important role in the management of expatriates (e.g. Toh and DeNisi, 2003; Farh et al., 2010), research has also suggested that this relationship is not always good, and the flow of critical information to expatriates can be limited. This is especially true when HCNs categorize the expatriates as “out-group” members. The purpose of this paper is to examine potential determinants of categorization decisions as well as potential outcomes related to expatriate socialization. Design/methodology/approach – The paper employs a dyadic survey approach to determine the antecedents to expatriate categorization and HCN socialization behaviors from the perspective of both the expatriate and HCN. Findings – The results of survey data from 65 expatriate-HCN dyads indicated that expatriate ethnocentrism and the salience of the expatriates’ nationality were important predictors of categorization, but that categorization was related to only one dimension of socialization. However, affect was found to play a role in predicting socialization behaviors. Research limitations/implications – There is potential selection bias since expatriates chose HCNs as respondents, but results suggested this was not a serious problem. Other limitations include a relatively small sample size and the fact that a number of contextual issues such as national stereotypes and MNC strategy, are not controlled for. Practical implications – Implications of these findings for the successful management of expatriate assignments include sending over expatriates with the right relational skills, and those low in ethnocentrism, rather than just the right technical skills. Originality/value – The present study was one of the first to empirically test the potential role of categorization in the process of socialization.


2020 ◽  
Vol 123 (1) ◽  
pp. 337-354
Author(s):  
Fahimeh Khatami ◽  
Alberto Ferraris ◽  
Paola De Bernardi ◽  
Valter Cantino

PurposeThis paper empirically tests the relationship between food heritage, familiness, and clan culture, thus, highlighting the pivotal role of familiness in building robustly competitive food firms based on clan culture and food heritage.Design/methodology/approachThe methodological approach adopted is based on a quantitative analysis with data from one eco-tourist city in Iran (Torqabeh). In this regard, we developed a structured questionnaire surveying 98 small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the food industry. We then used partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to carry out the analysis.FindingsThe results indicate the significant positive relationship between food heritage and clan culture, and highlight the role of familiness as a strong mediator, which is also associated with a strong relationship between food heritage and clan culture.Research limitations/implicationsIn the present study, the main limitation was linked to the small sample size and data collection, which took place in only a single city; however, further research could overcome this limitation by investigating SMEs from a heterogeneous geographical context.Originality/valueThe value of this research relates to studies that have examined food heritage as a possible antecedent of familiness. Moreover, the novelty of this research is to study the concept of familiness in improving resource-based views and organizational theories.


2012 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fara Azmat ◽  
Ambika Zutshi

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the understanding of the term corporate social responsibility (CSR) by Sri Lankan immigrant entrepreneurs in Australia. It also seeks to investigate the importance the entrepreneurs place on CSR, their understanding of stakeholders, the types of CSR activities undertaken by them, and the issue of social capital.Design/methodology/approachData were collected through in‐depth semi‐structured interviews with Sri Lankan entrepreneurs based in Victoria, Australia.FindingsThe interviewees were aware of the term CSR but, nevertheless, had different interpretations of its meaning. However, CSR was considered important and all the interviewees were, in some way, involved in CSR activities and also had a good understanding of the importance of their stakeholders. Findings also highlighted the significance attached to social capital by the entrepreneurs such as informal relationships and trustworthiness which build the intangible attributes of CSR. The present findings can be attributed to immigrant entrepreneurs behaving partly to adapt to the host country, by changing their beliefs, values, traditions and partly by being influenced by their home country culture as found in the extended part of this current study.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper addresses gaps in the fields of both CSR and immigrant entrepreneurship literature. However, the small sample size is a limitation and further research is required in order to generalize the findings.Originality/valueIt is important to have an understanding of the interpretation of social responsibility amongst immigrant entrepreneurs. Despite the steadily growing number of Sri Lankan immigrant entrepreneurs and their potential impact on the Victorian and Australian socio‐economic context, this area remains under‐researched. This paper addresses this gap in the literature and makes an attempt to provide insight into this area that can be used as a catalyst for future research.


2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Muhammad Nelza Mulki Iqbal

Social capital discourse has come to be the foremost and essential aspects in achieving sustainable development, participatory democracy and just cities. Indonesia is like most Asian countries where people spatially and socially co-live in a community that is related to a network of small clusters. However, the formal study related to social capital is hardly founded. Based on its characters, Gotong Royong which is a socio-cultural ethic of the togetherness philosophy in Indonesia can be perceived as an Indonesian social capital practice. Advancing social capital through participatory approaches will need a deep consideration about the role of professional and community engagement. Successful collaborations between wider actors in participatory approaches could lead to a fundamental transformation that can both preserve and nurture social capital values. High level of social capital within communities can potentially underpin the successful community participation towards communal goals.


2014 ◽  
Vol 42 (11/12) ◽  
pp. 1032-1052 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karine Charry ◽  
Nathalie T. M. Demoulin

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to represent the first empirical investigation of co-branding strategies whose target is children. It analyses such strategies’ potential in the context of brand extension for non-familiar brands combined with familiar ones and provides managerial implications for both brands. Design/methodology/approach – A leisure centre-based survey was used to collect information on children’s attitudes, evaluations of fit and consumption intentions of co-branded products. Findings – The findings confirm that co-branding strategies may have a very positive impact on attitudes towards partner brands, intentions to consume co-branded products and the host brand. They also indicate that consumption intentions for other products from the host product category are enhanced. From a theoretical perspective, the study stresses the essential mediating role of brand fit. Indeed, this construct appears to enable preadolescents to integrate simultaneous evaluations of two brands while constructing their attitudes towards one product. The asymmetric spill-over effect is also confirmed, with the non-familiar (weaker) brand benefiting more from the co-branding than the familiar (strong) brand. Research limitations/implications – The main limitations pertain to the small sample size and the absence of direct behavioural measures that could be added through later research. It would also be interesting to study further the concept of fit and the nature of the underlying mediating process (cognitive vs affective) among the target audience, as well as to analyse the impact of the various types of co-branding (functional vs symbolic). Practical implications – The derived guidelines suggest how non-familiar brands to the pre-adolescent target (including retailers’ brand) may expand their businesses through successful alliances with a more familiar brand that is viewed favourably. Social implications – In this study, concerns were high to select a co-branded product that does not harm children’s health, to the contrary (vegetable soup with cheese). The results demonstrate that the tactic may increase the target’s intentions to eat products that it would not necessarily fancy (as often the case for healthy products) while contributing to the positive development of economic actors. In this, the paper shows that economic interests should not always be opposed to social welfare. Originality/value – This study investigates the very popular strategy of brand alliance among an original target (eight-to 12-year-olds) and identifies the original process through which preadolescents appraise two brands that endorse one product, a unique marketing context. This represents an important starting point to further studies on brand alliances.


2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 816-831 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peerayuth Charoensukmongkol

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the contribution of mindfulness to employee psychological reactions to mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and its consequence on behavioral resistance to M&A. Design/methodology/approach Questionnaire data were collected from 114 employees of a Japanese bank that acquired a local financial institution in Thailand. Data were collected a week before the official integration began. Data were analyzed using partial least squares regression. Findings Employees who exhibited a higher level of mindfulness tended to report a lower cognitive evaluation of M&A and affective reaction to M&A. A lower cognitive evaluation and affective reaction were found to associate with lower behavioral resistance to M&A. Research limitations/implications First, the findings were based on cross-sectional data. Second, other organizational and leadership factors that might influence the employee reaction to M&A are not considered in the analysis. Third, self-reported measures can be susceptible to respondent bias. Fourth, small sample size can limit the generalizability of the findings. Practical implications Mindfulness training could be considered as one alternative approach in the intervention to help employees cope effectively with anxiety toward M&A. Originality/value This research is the first that provides empirical evidence for the role of mindfulness on employee psychological reactions to M&A.


Author(s):  
April Aryal ◽  
Suzanne Wilkinson

Purpose Social capitals in a community are in the form of bonding, bridging and linking through social networks. This paper aims to determine the role of social capital in the recovery process of cultural heritage sites. It identifies the existing social capital and the role of community. Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on the existing literature reviews complemented by the questionnaire survey. Three disaster-affected cultural heritage sites in Kathmandu were selected for the study. The questionnaire survey and group discussion with 300 disaster survivors were conducted. Findings This paper discusses social capital and its limitations for recovery. It proposes a new model of disaster recovery based on social capital and community. Research limitations/implications This research is based on the region with high social capital. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test in the low social capital community. Practical implications The approach of disaster recovery discussed in this paper can be implemented in the cultural heritage rebuilding after the disaster. Social implications This paper is based on social capital and community involvement. This paper identifies the importance of community involvement in the recovery. Originality/value The paper identified that during the recovery, in addition to social capitals, the role of community participation is unavoidable. This paper demonstrated how recovery is complicated despite external resources without community participation.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yudha Dwi Nugraha ◽  
Yulia Arisnani Widyaningsih

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the relationship between expectations of umrah visit, the two dimensions of motivation for umrah visit and attitude toward umrah visit using the expectation, motivation and attitude (EMA) model. The study aims to expand the domain of religious tourism and destination marketing by including the moderating role of gender and religiosity on the EMA model to investigate the pre-visit stage of Indonesian Muslim pilgrims. Design/methodology/approach An online survey for 299 potential Muslim pilgrims was conducted to test nine hypotheses. A multi-group moderation test with chi-square differences was conducted to test the moderation effect of gender and religiosity on the model. The construct of motivation begins with an open question. Findings The paper provides empirical insights on how the interrelationship between EMA. The results indicate that umrah visit expectations and umrah visit motivations have a significant positive relationship with the attitude toward umrah visit. Moreover, this study concludes that gender significantly moderates the relationship between umrah visit expectations and attitude toward umrah visit. Religiosity significantly moderates the relationship between umrah visit expectations and umrah visit motivations. Research limitations/implications The authors discovered three limitations. First, the construction of the research model only added two moderation variables in the EMA model. Second, many Muslim pilgrims have other situations that influence their decision to perform umrah. Third, although this study gathers Muslim pilgrims from all regions in Indonesia, fairly small sample size can influence the generalization of findings. Practical implications Managers should be focusing more on accommodating the religious needs of Muslim pilgrims. Although there was no gender difference in the relationship between expectations and motivations, managers still must be careful in creating and carrying out umrah programs and activities. To capture the market for male Muslims, priority should be given to promoting aspects of the culture and history of Islam when performing an umrah. Considering the important role of religiosity for market segmentation and to capture the market of Muslim pilgrims with low religiosity is by focusing more on the aspects of religious and spiritual motivation when performing umrah. Social implications By increasing umrah’s visit, umrah is now more in demand by the Muslim community because it is not only an alternate pilgrimage but also to improve the spiritual and religious individual and family. This is coupled with the increasing number of umrah travel agents and people’s lifestyles that make umrah a holiday choice with colleagues and family. With these advantages, prospective Indonesian Muslim pilgrims must be more selective and look for a broad range of information about umrah departures because many umrah travel agents do not yet have a permit and offer a cheap umrah departure. Also, prospective Muslim pilgrims must prepare themselves better by studying the terms and pillars of Umrah. Originality/value This paper contributes to the literature on tourism marketing and religious tourism research by comparing gender and religiosity on EMA model.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Ebekozien ◽  
Marvelous Aigbedion ◽  
Okechukwu Saviour Dominic Duru ◽  
Oguike Hyginus Udeagwu ◽  
Ibeabuchi Lawrence Aginah

Purpose Studies have proved that wood sawmill workers are exposed to high occupational risks if not well managed. In developing countries, many wood sawmills are found in urban and semi-urban areas. Studies exploring how residents near these wood sawmills perceive and react to these risks is scarce in Nigeria. The application of the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) technology is possibly one of the ways to manage the likely hazards. This study aims to investigate the possible hazards associated with timber sawmills in residential areas and the role of 4IR technologies in proffering feasible solutions to mitigate them in Nigeria’s cities. Design/methodology/approach Data were sourced from three cities and nine sawmills across Nigeria. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with authoritative participants (residents, environmentalists, government agencies, sawmill owners, 4IR technology experts and medical experts) who have been championing the regulation and safety of timber sawmill locations within the cities (Lagos, Benin City and Owerri) via a phenomenology type of qualitative research and supplemented by secondary sources. Findings Findings show that timber sawmills are located across the three cities in Nigeria and may have contributed to the health and environmental challenges of the people living in the neighbourhood. The identified hazards were grouped into three sub-themes (physical, health and environmental hazards). Findings identify robots, modularisation, cyber-physical systems, the internet of things and services and human-computer interaction as the digitalised technology that can be used in sawmills to mitigate hazards for the benefit of mankind. Research limitations/implications The paper is limited to hazards that residents in timber sawmills locations may face in Nigeria’s cities and data collected via face-to-face 23 interviews. The paper’s referral to past publications in the findings and discussion section compensated for the small sample size. Practical implications As part of this paper’s implications, the emerged recommendations will strengthen collaboration with relevant stakeholders regarding control measures via the use of 4IR technologies in timber sawmills. This will stir up policymakers to develop possible policies that will promote and create the platform for the implementation of 4IR technologies in city sawmills. Originality/value Apart from probably being the first paper to explore the hazards of residents in timber sawmill locations and proffer solutions via the usage of the 4IR technology, this paper’s contribution emphasis the need for in-depth future studies regarding the risk perceptions of Nigeria’s residents living in timber sawmill area.


2014 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 453-475 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sepehr Ghazinoory ◽  
Ali Bitaab ◽  
Ardeshir Lohrasbi

Purpose – In the last two decades, researchers have paid much attention to the role of cultural values on economic and social development. In particular, the crucial role of different aspects of culture on the development of innovation has been stressed in the literature. Consequently, it is vital to understand how social capital, as a core cultural value, affects the innovation process and the innovative performance at the national level. However, to date, the impact of different dimensions of social capital and innovation has not been properly portrayed or explained. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of four different dimensions of social capital (institutional and interpersonal, associational life and norms) on two of the main functions of national innovation system (NIS) (entrepreneurship and knowledge creation) based on over 50,000 observations in 34 countries. Design/methodology/approach – In this regard, national-level data from the World Values Survey database was employed to quantify social capital. Entrepreneurship is, in turn, assumed to consist of three sub-indexes and 14 indicators based on the Global Entrepreneurship Index. Knowledge creation is also measured through US Patent Office applications. Also, exploratory factor analysis and structural equation modeling approach were used to build the measurement model and investigate the impact that each factor of social capital had on entrepreneurship and knowledge application, respectively. Measurement and structural models were built and their reliability and validity were tested using various fit indices. Research findings suggest the strong positive effect of institutional trust and networking on entrepreneurship. Also, interpersonal trust and networks were shown to have high influence on knowledge development at the national level. Norms appear to have naïve to medium negative effects on both functions. Findings – Research findings suggest the strong positive effect of institutional trust and networking on entrepreneurship. Also, interpersonal trust and networks were shown to have high influence on knowledge development at the national level. Norms appear to have naïve to medium negative effects on both functions. Originality/value – However, to date, the impact of different dimensions of social capital and innovation has not been properly portrayed or explained.


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