What Is Social Capital
Here is a valuable compilation offered by Bala Pillai on the possible definitions of Social Capital.
The list is an open-ended starting point that facilitates and stimulates a better understanding of where and how the social capital component can be made to become an acknowledged and nurtured asset of the modern modular, decentralized, and individual-centered community/enterprise.
Definitions of Social Capital
- The degree to which a community or society collaborates and cooperates (through such mechanisms as networks, shared trust, norms, and values) to achieve mutual benefits.
There are many definitions and discussions about social capital; for more information, see Robert Putnam’s Bowling Alone: America’s Declining Social Capital.
- The value of social networks that people can draw on to solve common problems. The benefits of social capital flow from the trust, reciprocity, information, and cooperation associated with social networks.
https://web.archive.org/web/20060206064759/http://www.agtrade.org/glossary.cfm
- …is the attitude, spirit, and willingness of people to engage in collective, civic activities. Over time, social capital builds what may be termed as social infrastructure, a key item discussed in the Strategic Social Plan.
https://web.archive.org/web/20040214030600/http://envision.ca/templates/aboutenvision.asp?ID=50
- The attitude, spirit, and willingness of people to engage in collective, civic activities. Over time, social capital builds what may be termed as social infrastructure.
Topic areas: Fundraising and Financial Sustainability, Staff Development and Organizational Capacity, Operations Management, and Leadership
https://web.archive.org/web/20040202104912/http:/www.nonprofitbasics.org/CompleteGlossary.aspx?ID=-1
- Skills and infrastructure that aid in social progress.
- A “composite measure” that reflects both the breadth and depth of civic community (staying informed about community life and participating in its associations) as well as the public’s participation in political life.
It is characterized by a sense of social trust and mutual interconnectedness, which is enhanced over time through positive interaction and collaboration in shared interests.
https://web.archive.org/web/20040318172118/http://mapp.naccho.org/mapp_glossary.asp
- Social capital represents the degree of social cohesion that exists in communities. It refers to the processes between people which establish networks, norms, and social trust and facilitate coordination and cooperation for mutual benefit.
- (Hackett, 1998, chapter 11). As the concept is used by sociologist James Coleman and political scientist Robert Putnam, refers to the stock of “civic virtues” and networks of civic engagement, involvement, reciprocity norms, trust, volunteerism, and sharing essential to democratic communities.
- …by analogy with notions of physical capital and human capital — tools and training that enhance individual productivity - “social capital” refers to features of social organization, such as networks, norms, and trust that facilitate coordination and cooperation for mutual benefit.
Social capital enhances the benefits of investment in physical and human capital.
https://web.archive.org/web/20030107142203/https://senscot.net/LD/Articles/Glossary.asp
- The relationships, human networks, language, etc., possessed by the individuals in the organization.
Source: Department of the Navy IM/IT Workforce Strategic Plan, Fiscal years 2001–2006 N/A
Source: Google fountain
by Bala Pillai — Inventor/Producer,
APIC Mind Colonies/Halls Without Walls
Sydney, Australia
Originally published by Bala Pillai on Mindecos. Reprinted with permission of the author by Robin Good on Thursday, May 6, 2004, on MasterNewMedia, as “What Is Social Capital”.
Robin Good
