Social Capital
Contents
Exploring Social Capital: Building Trust and Relationships
Understanding the Essence and Impact of Social Capital
What Is Social Capital?
Social capital is a dynamic concept that encompasses the positive outcomes of human interaction, ranging from tangible resources to intangible benefits like trust and mutual respect. In both societal and business contexts, social capital plays a vital role in fostering collaboration and achieving common goals.
Types of Social Capital
Two primary forms of social capital exist: bonding and bridging. Bonding occurs within a group with shared interests, while bridging extends across different groups, fostering connections and collaboration. The advent of the internet has revolutionized social capital, enabling vast networks and connections across various platforms.
Disadvantages of Social Capital
While social capital often leads to positive outcomes, it can also be manipulated for nefarious purposes. Gangs, drug cartels, and colluding corporate executives exemplify how social capital can be exploited to achieve destructive goals, ultimately diminishing trust and cohesion within communities.