Human capital, social capital and organizational performance

2014 ◽  
Vol 52 (2) ◽  
pp. 350-364 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Augusto Felício ◽  
Eduardo Couto ◽  
Jorge Caiado
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Human Capital ◽  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Cognitive Ability ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Strategic Decision ◽  
Capital Social ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Communication Methods ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to evaluate the human capital and social capital of managers and the influence of these attributes on the performance of small and medium-sized Portuguese companies. Design/methodology/approach – The structural modeling approach was applied to a sample of 199 small and medium-sized companies aged between 3 and 15 years, from five different sectors of activity. Findings – It was found that human capital affects social capital, and that experience and cognitive ability influence personal relations and complicity. Organizational performance is strongly influenced by human capital through the cognitive ability of the manager. Practical implications – Based on these findings managers can gain a better knowledge about how to improve the performance of their firms, for example through adjustments in communication methods or strategic decision capacities. Originality/value – This work is innovative in the sense that it confirms the influence of human capital on social capital, and shows that it is cognitive ability that affects organizational performance.

Getting more than money through online crowdfunding

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 171-186 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Macht ◽  
Geoffrey Chapman
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Human Capital ◽  
Qualitative Analysis ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Psychological Capital ◽  
Financial Capital ◽  
Message Board ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Message Boards ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Many businesses invest significant resources to develop human, social and psychological capital, yet Crowdfunding (CF) activities have the potential to build all of these non-financial forms of capital at the same time as raising finance. The purpose of this paper is to explore the non-financial forms of capital that entrepreneurs and businesses using online CF activities can gain from their backers without having to ask for it. Design/methodology/approach The study used thematic, qualitative analysis to explore the comments and queries that crowdfunders posted on the publicly visible message board of individual CF projects on Kickstarter, one of the world’s leading crowdfunding platforms (CFPs). Findings Fund-seekers can gain more than money from crowdfunders: they can enhance their own human capital (e.g. knowledge of the viability of the project), social capital (e.g. the development of a bonding relationship) and psychological capital (e.g. self-efficacy and resilience) by effectively interpreting unsolicited comments and questions. Research limitations/implications This study is based on typed comments on CFP message boards, which limits insights into underlying reasons and motivations. However, the qualitative analysis of message board comments demonstrates how this type of data can be utilised to explore crucial aspects of CF that have to date been neglected. Practical implications Comments from many crowdfunders can provide useful information to fund-seeking entrepreneurs and businesses, although some of it may require interpretation. Originality/value The opportunity for fund-seekers to gain non-financial capital from crowdfunders, without having to ask for it, has not previously been explicitly considered in the field.

Age and the pursuit of happiness among immigrants

2017 ◽  
Vol 44 (12) ◽  
pp. 2052-2066 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarinda Taengnoi Siemers ◽  
Denise Robson
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Human Capital ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Religious Institutions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Older Immigrants ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore how various factors, particularly ones associated with ability to assimilate to a new country such as social capital and human capital, may affect the happiness of immigrants in different age groups. Design/methodology/approach The study utilizes the New Immigrant Survey 2003, which is a nationally representative survey of immigrants who became permanent US residents, to produce four separate ordered logit regressions, each for a different age group, 18-34, 35-49, 50-59, and 60 and older. Findings The empirical results indicate that employment is important to happiness among young immigrants (age 18-34). For middle-aged immigrants happiness is strongly related to family life (i.e. being married, having children), human capital, and wealth. For older immigrants (age 60 and over) happiness is significantly linked to social capital (i.e. involvement in religious institutions, communication ties to friends and family). Practical implications Understanding factors associated with the happiness of immigrants can help communities to undertake appropriate support and services for different age groups. Originality/value The study differentiates what contributes to the happiness of immigrants in different age groups. Most studies only include a binary categorical variable for age groups and do not employ a fully differentiated analysis for age. The study also explores how social capital relates to happiness. Studies of happiness among immigrants mostly omit any role of social capital variable.

The importance of new forms of capital in nonprofit organizations

2017 ◽  
Vol 44 (7) ◽  
pp. 846-868 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paulo Mourão ◽  
Teresa Pereira ◽  
Maria Cristina Moreira
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Human Capital ◽  
Nonprofit Organizations ◽  
Survey Research ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Organizational Capacity ◽  
Financial Capital ◽  
Red Cross ◽  
Capital Social ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand the extent to which new forms of capital are noticed by different members of nonprofit organizations (directors, employees, and volunteers) and valued as a factor of organizational capacity. Design/methodology/approach Using survey research methodology, the authors studied a nonprofit institution – a delegation of the Portuguese Red Cross located in Fafe, a city in northern Portugal, by giving a questionnaire to all its members. Findings The respondents revealed that the existence of other forms of capital (in addition to financial capital) is recognized and valued and that human capital as a whole is particularly relevant to the fulfillment of the Fafe Delegation of Portuguese Red Cross’ mission. Originality/value This is the first study on the perceptions of human capital, social capital and financial capital in a Portuguese nonprofit organization.

HR metrics and workforce analytics: it is a journey, not a destination

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Subhashini Durai D. ◽  
Krishnaveni Rudhramoorthy ◽  
Shulagna Sarkar
Keyword(s):  
Human Resources ◽  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Human Resource ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Strategic Decision ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Existing Problems ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The main objective in adopting the use of metrics and analytics is to use the expertise of HR professionals in human resource management regarding their understanding of the best way to recruit, select, train, design, motivate, develop, evaluate, and retain employees at an organization to help achieve its goals more effectively. Design/methodology/approach The first and foremost step to generate metrics and analytics strategies in an organization is identification of existing problems faced by them. Owing to the changing environment and global requirement, the labor measurement also changes. The main focus is on the problems faced by the organization and human resources in the working environment. Findings Through the use of human resources measures and workforce analytics, decision-makers will gain the ability to more effectively manage and improve human resources programs and processes. This in turn improves the effectiveness of the workforce and organizational performance. Practical implications Metrics and analytics is a better problem-solving measure in organizations, because in any situations, decisions are made after analyzing the tactical choices. Social implications The development of effective human resource metrics and workforce analytics is likely to be seen in the future as a very important source of competitive advantage. Originality/value The use of human resource metrics and workforce analytics improves organizational effectiveness and strategic decision-making of managers that positively impact the organization’s performance as a whole.

HC and financial performance with two HRM strategies

2017 ◽  
Vol 66 (4) ◽  
pp. 459-478 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nopadol Rompho
Keyword(s):  
Human Capital ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Financial Performance ◽  
Lead Time ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Strategy Choice ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between levels of human capital and financial performance of firms that use two distinct human resource management (HRM) strategies. Design/methodology/approach A survey of 128 HRM managers was conducted to assess differences in human capital between firms using different HRM strategies. A multiple regression analysis was used to investigate the relationship between firms’ human capital and financial performance. Findings The results show that companies employing a make-organic strategy have a higher level of human capital than companies employing a buy-bureaucratic strategy. There was no relationship between the level of human capital and long term financial performance of firms with both make-organic and buy-bureaucratic strategies. Research limitations/implications This research contributes toward understanding the effect of HRM strategy and facilitates an optimal strategy choice depending on the organization. However, this study did not consider the lead time between changes in human capital and the effect on financial performance. Practical implications The research encourages firm managers to understand the value of human capital, preparing them for changes in the future. Originality/value This study is among the first to investigate the relationship between human capital and financial performance considering different HRM strategies.

scholarly journals Putting resilient sustainability into strategy decisions – case studies

2018 ◽  
Vol 56 (7) ◽  
pp. 1598-1612 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Winnard ◽  
Jacquetta Lee ◽  
David Skipp
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Real World ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Strategic Decision ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Industrial Companies ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Strategic Decision Support ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to report the results of testing a new approach to strategic sustainability and resilience – Sustainable Resilient Strategic Decision-Support (SuReSDS™). Design/methodology/approach The approach was developed and tested using action-research case studies at industrial companies. It successfully allowed the participants to capture different types of value affected by their choices, optimise each strategy’s resilience against different future scenarios and compare the results to find a “best” option. Findings SuReSDS™ enabled a novel integration of environmental and social sustainability into strategy by considering significant risks or opportunities for an enhanced group of stakeholders. It assisted users to identify and manage risks from different kinds of sustainability-related uncertainty by applying resilience techniques. Users incorporated insights into real-world strategies. Research limitations/implications Since the case studies and test organisations are limited in number, generalisation from the results is difficult and requires further research. Practical implications The approach enables companies to utilise in-house and external experts more effectively to develop sustainable and resilient strategies. Originality/value The research described develops theories linking sustainability and resilience for organisations, particularly for strategy, to provide a new consistent, rigorous and flexible approach for applying these theories. The approach has been tested successfully and benefited real-world strategy decisions.

How corporate governance structures affect strategic change decisions

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 4-6
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Governance ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Strategic Change ◽  
Strategic Decision ◽  
Strategic Decision Making ◽  
Governance Structures ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings Major acquisitions involve strategic decision-making of the highest order. Companies most inclined toward such acquisitions tend to exhibit particular corporate governance structures. The CEO is invariably highly influential and this influence is strengthened by board and committee compositions which impact on levels of internal monitoring. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Too tied to fail: a multidimensional approach to social capital in crowdfunding campaigns. Evidences from Italian agri-food businesses

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulpiana Kocollari ◽  
Alessia Pedrazzoli ◽  
Maddalena Cavicchioli ◽  
Andrea Girardi
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Multidimensional Approach ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Linear Regressions ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe authors investigate the contributions of social capital (SC) dimensions (bridging, bonding and linking) in crowdfunding campaigns by comparing the dynamics of agri-food businesses with those of two other sectors – cultural and technological.Design/methodology/approachThe authors develop linear regressions on a proprietary data set of 5,290 projects launched on the Italian platform “Produzionidalbasso.com”, from 2014 to 2020.FindingsThe authors’ findings suggest that combining the three social capital dimensions (bridging, bonding and linking) has a more substantial overall effect on the number of backers involved in agri-food projects than in cultural and technological projects. Agri-food entrepreneurs effectively mobilize all resources embedded in the SC dimensions and therefore create the conditions to develop new ties that financially support the project.Practical implicationsAgri-food entrepreneurs may benefit from those results improving their funding strategies. Therefore, agri-food entrepreneurs can explore and exploit the instruments available on the CFD platform – video and rewards associated with the campaign – gaining more benefit from the backers involved compared with other project categories.Originality/valueThe study proposes a broader perspective regarding SC that encompasses the proponent, the company and the campaign with three different types of ties: bonding, bridging and linking. These SC dimensions can differently shape diverse sectors and this eclectic configuration can differentiate the effects of SC in crowdfunding campaigns. This study pinpoints how crowdfunding determinants change, based on project categories.

International assignments of employees and entrepreneurial intentions: the mediating role of human capital, social capital and career prospects

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 1259-1279
Author(s):  
Susanne Schlepphorst ◽  
Elizabeth C. Koetter ◽  
Arndt Werner ◽  
Christian Soost ◽  
Petra Moog
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Human Capital ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Corporate Entrepreneurship ◽  
Entrepreneurial Intentions ◽  
International Assignments ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeDrawing on human capital (HC) and social capital (SC) as well as the Jack-of-all-trades theory, this paper aims to clarify the relationship between international assignments (IAs) of employees and their entrepreneurial intentions. The study proposes that such IAs provide specific environmental features which may enable employees to build up diverse skills and network relations conducive to entrepreneuship.Design/methodology/approachThe authors collected data using an online survey, targeting professionals and managers in Germany and Switzerland. They used 223 complete responses. Before data collection, they ensured the suitability of their questionnaire by employing well-tested scales and consulted independent experts in survey design and methodology. They tested their hypotheses by applying multiple mediation modeling.FindingsAs hypothesized, the authors find empirical evidence that diverse skills and network relationships as well as poor career prospects, positively mediate the relationship between IAs and entrepreneurial intentions of employees.Research limitations/implicationsWe applied simple random and the snowball sampling method. Our approach involved the use of headhunters, international employers and relocation companies as multipliers.Practical implicationsOur results have practical implications for employees and employers. Employees on international assignments can proactively pursue opportunities in order to utilize the acquired experiences and resources for taking up entrepreneurial activities. Employers can try to retain these employees to facilitate (international) corporate entrepreneurship.Originality/valueTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first empirical study to highlight the entrepreneurial ambitions of international assignees. It thus provides initial insights into this topic.

Improving organizational performance

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Cutting Edge ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings Potential exists for businesses to considerably boost performance through the development and execution of an appropriate strategy. The structure of the organization is likewise key as it possesses scope to influence this relationship. Creating a structure which is highly decentralized can prove especially significant under certain conditions. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

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