Social Capital Theory

Social capital theory examines how social relationships once formed can benefit individuals and organizations beyond their original context of creation. Social capital is a metaphor from other types of capital, an investment to be made, consisting of trustworthy networks and social relations that enable collaboration and other benefits. The value of social capital lies in its ability to transfer and facilitate other forms of capital beneficial for individuals and organizations. Social capital is beneficial only once it is mobilized, and as a system, it feeds on itself: Trusting relationships help build other trusting relationships.

Social capital benefits not only those involved but also bystanders and society at large. High levels of social capital have been linked to various societal and relational benefits, including trust, absence of ...