Social Capital Lens Research Articles

Delineating the tacit knowledge‐seeking phase of knowledge sharing: The influence of relational social capital components

AbstractMuch knowledge on which performance in practice is based is tacit (Smith, 2001) making it a valuable, rare resource, which is difficult to imitate or substitute (Barney, 1991) and a vital source of organizational competitive advantage. However, there is limited research available delineating tacit from explicit knowledge (Insch et al., 2008; Garcia‐Perez & Mitra, 2007) and thus gaps in our understanding about how to derive the greatest value from it. Knowledge management (KM) is partly a socially constructed phenomenon embedded in people and relationships (Nonaka, 1991). However, KM research has neglected the role of the microlevel of individuals and social interactions (Foss, 2009). Furthermore, knowledge sharing research neglects to explore all phases of what is a bidirectional relationship. Scant research exists on the knowledge‐seeking process—from the seeker to the source (Hansen et al., 2005) as the focus is on the unidirectional notion of knowledge sharing—from the source to the seeker (Kim et al., 2011). This study utilizes the social capital lens, which focuses on social relationships and in particular therelations between, rather than thecharacteristics of, individuals, groups, processes, or organizations, to explore tacit knowledge‐seeking processes. The data are based on five American multinational manufacturing organizations and interviews with 105 operators, technicians, and engineers engaged in tacit knowledge work. The paper discusses the results of the investigation of the relational social capital factors of trust, norms, sanctions and social identification, and their influence on decisions to operationalize a tacit knowledge‐seeking interaction.

“She Did Not Find One That Was for Me”: The College Pathways of the Mexican and Central American Undocumented 1.25 Generation

In this article, Daysi Ximena Diaz-Strong draws on interviews with Mexican and Central American 1.25 generation undocumented young adults to examine what shaped their access to financial resources in their college-going transitions. Although scholars have demonstrated that school agents and peers are critical to accessing resources and that stratified schools create unequal access to resources, this knowledge derives from the experiences of the 1.5 generation, and little is known about the college pathways of the undocumented 1.25 generation. Through a social capital lens, Diaz-Strong shows how undocumented 1.25 generation immigrants encounter structural disadvantages in accessing resources and how, arriving in adolescence, they experience below-level course placement and have little time to learn the US system. This article extends our understanding of the factors shaping the college pathways of undocumented youth and shows how immigrants’ life stage on arrival interacts with school sorting mechanisms to create differential access to financial resources.

Large‐scale enterprises, social capital and the post‐disaster development of community tourism: The case of Taoping, China

AbstractThis study explores how large‐scale enterprises build and mobilise social capital with intra‐ and inter‐community actors to stimulate the post‐disaster development of community tourism. Based on in‐depth interviews, this case study was conducted in Taoping, China. The findings show that large‐scale enterprises integrated bonding social capital created through engaging with Taoping villagers with bridging social capital developed through inter‐community collaborations to facilitate the post‐disaster development of community tourism. This study focuses on the dynamics of interactions between large‐scale enterprises, intra‐ and inter‐community actors. It contributes to providing a deeper understanding of the significance of large‐scale enterprises for the post‐disaster development of community tourism through the lens of social capital.

Community Development from the Lens of Social Capital: A Sociological Study of Rupa Rural Municipality of Kaski, Nepal

Social trust and social networks are a common and more valuable phenomenon for the development activities of the rural community in the context of Nepal. However, the development activities of the community are not well perceived from the lens of social trust and social network as it is essential to sustain the development activities. Considering the landscape of social trust and social networks, this study focuses on the situation and effect of social trust and social networks on the development activities at the Rupa Rural Municipality in Kaski. The purpose of this study was to explain the situation of social trust and social networks and also explore interconnection with community-level development interventions. Employing a phenomenological qualitative research design, the primary informations were collected through indepth interviews and recorded informations were transcribed, coded, decoded, analyzed and interpreted. The major thematic aspects such as social trust and social networks of community development have linked with relevant theories. The finding indicate that the development activities of community with their desire and having social trust are found successful. The social networks have played further connective role by interlinking development aspects at community level for sustaining the intervetions of community development. Though the study is limited to Rupa Rural Municipality, it has established the importance of social trust and social networks for community development.

Governing behavioral integration of top management team in megaprojects: A social capital perspective

Behavioral integration (BI), or the extent to which top management team (TMT) members engage in collective interactions, is a critical element for achieving business success in corporate management that has rarely been examined in megaproject studies. The organizational complexities of megaprojects contribute to biases in TMT's behavior. This study presents a team-level analysis of the drivers of BI in megaprojects through the theoretical lens of social capital. Based on a survey conducted with 128 senior managers from 48 megaprojects, the results showed that (1) both the structural and cognitive dimensions of social capital have a significantly positive effect on BI, with the structural dimension being more influential; (2) the relational dimension of social capital showed a partial effect on BI; (3) affective commitment plays a mediating role that bridges social capital and the TMT's BI. These findings shed new light on cultivating interactions among TMT members in governing megaprojects.

Developing a neighbourhood: exploring construction projects from a project ecology perspective

As a consequence of ongoing urbanisation, construction projects are likely to be performed in multi-project contexts. Zooming out from the single project and focussing on the context in which construction projects are performed is suggested as a way to broaden our understanding and develop new theory. The empirical case in focus here, which is studied as a project ecology, is the development of a major urban development district, where several interdependent construction projects have been initiated in sequence and in parallel in a limited geographical area. This case poses several challenges to the developers (construction clients) who are performing their projects simultaneously, and literally, as neighbours. Therefore, we zoom out from the single construction project and put the project in a wider context on a macro level, to increase the understanding of the context in which construction projects are performed. The theoretical lens of social capital helps us zoom in on the interdependencies that develop over time, going beyond traditional, contractual and vertical relationships. Based on empirical material, including interviews and meeting observations, the findings indicate that the developers have to coordinate horizontal interdependencies between projects. The findings also show that the construction client’s role has been extended from initiating and delivering the project mission to also having a collaborator role between projects, where ambidexterity is required.

Team Social Capital and Team Innovation: The Role of Task Conflict and Transformational Leadership

Drawing on the input-process-output model of teamwork, this study examines team innovation using a social capital lens. We propose that team social capital, operationalized as bridging and bonding social capital, negatively influences team innovation vi a team proportional task conflict, which is the level of task conflict teams experience proportional to relationship and process conflict. In addition, we expected group and individual-focused transformational leadership (TFL) to buffer the negative indirect effect of team social capital on team innovation. Results from time-lagged data collected from 324 employees in 45 research and development (R&D) teams supported most of our predictions. We found that teams with both bonding and bridging social capital are less innovative because they experience less proportional task conflict. Furthermore, group-focused TFL buffered the indirect relationship for teams with bridging social capital in that the negative effect on team innovation was only present for teams with leaders displaying low as opposed to high levels of group-focused TFL. However, a buffering effect of individual-focused TFL for teams with bonding ties was not detected. We discuss theoretical and practical implications of these findings.

Mixing Person and Position: Social Capital Fit in Entrepreneurial Teams

This paper investigates the relational dynamics within entrepreneurial teams through the lens of social capital. Both bonding and bridging social capital are vital to entrepreneurial performance, but how to integrate them is still puzzling. Prior research has mainly considered the person side, i.e., team members. In this study, to fully capture the team functioning, we propose to take both person and position into account. Specifically, we theorize on the social capital nature of team positions and draw a distinction between bonding positions and bridging positions as the functioning of different positions (e.g., finance vs. R&D) may request different forms of social capital. We further argue that when a team’s positions are occupied by those holding appropriate social capital, namely person-position fit, its functioning and performance will be elevated. Otherwise, a misfit leads to poor performance. We find evidence from an analysis of 2,914 entrepreneurial teams in China. This study contributes to our understanding of the functioning of entrepreneurial teams from the social capital perspective and highlight the importance of considering the role of functional positions in the integration of both bonding and bridging capital.

A Social Capital Perspective on Computer-Mediated Group Communication and Performance: An Empirical Study

In light of the pervasiveness of collaborative decision making and technology in organizations, this research examines computer mediated collaboration using the lens of social capital. We draw from the Distributed Cognition Theory and others for our socio-technical investigation that incorporates the technical component as the artifact of electronic memory (group memory), and the social component as the history of interactions between members (group history). We study these under the mediating influence of the relational social capital dimensions of relational closeness and relational trust. Our study shows how social capital adds an important flavor to collaborative performance. We highlight how the traditional premise of memory being an unequivocal enhancer of group performance gets altered if one fails to consider the influence of relational social capital in the equation. We propose to practitioners that collaborative technology that offers memory cannot be viewed independently, but as a vehicle that impacts performance through the dynamics of social capital of the group. Most importantly, our research reinforces the need for a novel perspective to collaborative development. With the diaspora of technological advancement, there needs to be a transition in perceiving collaborative development as a concurrent, rather than a sequential, process of discussion and development of group activity.

Constructive and negative aspects of social capital in work-related learning networks

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss empirical findings from a study that investigated the work practices within an education network, with the aim of understanding the processes of knowledge development and learning process.Design/methodology/approachThe research is interpretatively positioned through a qualitative case study methodology. This enabled a holistic portrait of the network activity using three different methods of data collection. These were a preliminary focus group, followed by documentary analysis of a significant number of artefacts/documents produced by the network which were triangulated with data from interviews using a cross-case analytical framework.FindingsEmpirical insights are provided into the practice of the network through a lens of social capital. It suggests that having a strong bonding social capital is an informal learning factor which develops the individual participants “skills and knowledge” within the framework of Boyers scholarly practice. The findings also indicate a “dark side” to this informal learning factor which impeded collective learning through exclusivity and a maintenance of the status quo within the network.Research limitations/implicationsBecause of the chosen research approach, the research results may lack generalisability. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the proposed propositions further.Practical implicationsThe paper considers social capital within a network and the implication that this has on learning and development.Originality/valueThis paper provides insight into informal learning factors employed within work-related learning and the duality of social capital. It also offers a novel approach in understanding how nurse academics frame work-related learning through scholarly practice.

Vendor boundary spanning in Indian Information Technology (IT) companies

Boundary spanning is an important mechanism for the successful and efficient management of client-vendor relationships in Information Technology (IT) outsourcing. Vendors are often responsible for initiating boundary-spanning between the two parties, and the final effectiveness of boundary-spanning often hinges more on vendors rather than on clients. Boundary-spanners are individuals, who operate at the boundary of an organization, performing functions like external representation and information processing. The idea that boundary-spanning can become an organizational capability is well acknowledged in prior literature; but research regarding this process is limited. Boundary-spanning is often left to the ingenuity of the individual performing the role, preventing its development as an organizational capability. Therefore, this study attempts to uncover the process and develop the building blocks of the organizational capability in managing client-vendor relationships in IT outsourcing. We adopt an exploratory case study method for theory building to address the question, “How do vendor boundary-spanners influence client-vendor relationships in IT outsourcing engagements?” We use multiple-case design (9 cases) for literal replication. Our propositions show that the practices of an effective boundary-spanner involves establishing a dyadic tie with the client-manager; strengthening the established tie based on shared context; using it to identify a joint problem; and developing interpersonal trust while solving this joint problem. The outcome of this interpersonal trust then gets appropriated through client-manager’s structural networks and contributes to the vendor organization’s business growth. This study uses the social capital lens to develop propositions regarding how boundary-spanners operate.

STEM and gender at university: focusing on Irish undergraduate female students’ perceptions

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify whether or not females believe they associate with the culture of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) by investigating the perceptions of female students currently enroled in STEM courses.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents data from a survey on female STEM students’ “Perspectives of women in STEM”, “Parents’ Science qualification”, “Supports in their STEM Course” and their “Science identify” through a social capital lens. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to analyse the data.FindingsThe main findings were that female STEM undergraduates believe social bias, balancing work and family life and lack of role models are the main cause of less women in STEM professions and leadership positions. There were statistically significant differences between how male and female students identified with certain traits, with less females claiming to be intelligent and know about latest discoveries than males.Research limitations/implicationsTo eradicate stereotypical views of scientists, it is recommended that Irish higher-education institutions introduce initiatives to increase the socialisation of STEM females within female networks and develop female students’ self-awareness of their own capabilities. The expansion of STEM networks could act as a means to facilitate female students adopting positive science identities, increasing their science capital.Originality/valueIn Ireland, there is a paucity of literature relating to females’ experience of STEM in higher education. This paper provides evidence that despite their engagement with STEM, female undergraduate students subscribe to the stereotypical image of the scientist. This study highlights the need to change the culture experienced by female STEM undergraduates in Ireland so as to improve the experiences and trajectories of women in higher education.

Perceptions of demotion decisions: A social capital perspective

This article examines how demotees and co-workers understand involuntary demotion decisions, using a social capital lens. Drawing on data based on semi-structured in-depth interviews from 23 demotees and 46 co-workers (two co-workers of each demoted worker), we find that the likelihood of being demoted is determined by several factors. The personal characteristics of the demotee influence three aspects of social capital: 1) the quality of the employee-management relationship, 2) the ability to socialise with other organizational members and 3) visibility in the organization. Our findings contribute to the relational embeddedness perspective of social capital as well the growing body of literature on the dark side of social capital in organizations by showing how a lack of social capital impacts on demotion decisions. Relevant implications for organizations and HR practitioners for utilizing demotion as a HR tool are discussed.

Exploring the Social Capital of Cooperative Extension Agents in Mississippi

The Cooperative Extension System has a high turnover rate. Studies indicate a need to improve collaboration and communication efforts between agents to improve their retention. This exploratory study used a social capital lens to investigate agents’ collegial relationships and access to information. Cross-sectional data were collected from a nonrandomized sample of Extension agents from Mississippi State University (MSU) Extension. Results showed agents’ engagement in professional associations depended on their programmatic responsibilities. Few agents were active members of associations that were not linked to their specific program area. Findings pointed to a low level of bridging capital and a higher level of bonding capital since agents had strong ties with colleagues in their own programmatic area. Agents mostly socialized with others in their own program area at statewide events, and most did not seek information from a district or regional director. This may adversely impact information sharing due to an overdependence on homogenous networks. This study suggested the social capital of MSU Extension agents could be more fully developed. Agents may benefit from opportunities to engage in national-level and heterogenous professional organizations to build bridging capital.

Occupational therapy practitioners’ ratings of job satisfaction factors through a lens of social capital

While there is a body of knowledge regarding job satisfaction in occupational therapy, less is known about job satisfaction in occupational therapy through a lens of social capital. The purpose of this research was to investigate practitioners’ rankings of 14 aspects of job satisfaction by gender, generation, therapist vs. manager, therapist vs. assistant, and experience. Participants (n = 112) recruited from attendees of a state association annual conference completed a short questionnaire. Relationships with other therapists on the rehab team, relationship with immediate supervisor or manager, and interprofessional teamwork, all reflective of social capital were highly ranked. Salary and benefits, more traditional area of focus in recruitment, were ranked lower. Given the incidence and implications of healthcare turnover, an awareness of social capital related to job satisfaction is valuable to practitioners and managers.

Keeping the user in the cloud: a cognitive social capital antecedent to use continuance and trust-commitment in personal cloud storage services

ABSTRACTWhile personal cloud storage services are popular, providers experience difficulty retaining users. Two explanations of user continuance intention, being use continuance theory and trust-commitment theory, emerge from prior literature. However, there is no unifying theoretical lens to reconcile these two explanations. We use a cognitive social capital explanation to unify these two literature streams. We apply our research model to 237 cloud storage users. We find that the cognitive social capital lens significantly predicts both use continuance intention and trust-commitment in personal cloud storage services. Implications for cloud service providers are offered.

Preserving and memorialising relationships: exploring young people’s experiences of foster care through the lens of social capital

This article presents findings from research into how young people growing up in foster care in the UK manage the relationships in their social networks and gain access to social capital. It is a concept that highlights the value of relationships and is relevant to young people in care as they have usually experienced disruptions to their social and family life. Qualitative methods were used and the findings show that despite experiencing disruption to their social networks, the young people demonstrated that they were able to maintain access to their social capital. They achieved this in two ways. Firstly, they preserved their relationships, often through what can be seen as ordinary practices but in the extraordinary context of being in foster care. Secondly, they engaged in creative practices of memorialisation to preserve relationships that had ended or had been significantly impaired due to their experience of separation and movement. The article highlights implications for policy and practice, including the need to recognise the value of young people’s personal possessions. Furthermore, it stresses the need to support them to maintain their relationships across their networks as this facilitates their access to social capital.

Social Media, Social Capital, and Knowledge Sharing in Enterprise

This article provides insight into the transformative role that social media can play in informal knowledge sharing (KS) in an enterprise through the lens of social capital. This work explores the ways in which the use of social media results in digital transformation of informal ties that provide the social capital needed for KS, both within and across organizations. The empirical basis of this article is a field study focused on the use of social media by knowledge workers from 17 consulting firms.

Pathways to age-friendly communities in diverse urban neighborhoods: Do social capital and social cohesion matter?

ABSTRACTUsing a social capital and social cohesion lens, we reposition the concept of civic engagement among older adults to examine pathways for building age-friendly communities. We analyzed data drawn from a Community-Based Participatory Research study in the Southern U.S. that explored lived experiences of older adults, age 55 and above, who participated in individual interviews (n = 15) and six focus group discussions (n = 45) to examine their perceptions of social identity, social connectedness, and civic engagement geared toward an age-friendly city. Findings indicated that several older adults had access to social networks and socially invested resources, thereby having opportunities for civic engagement and building age-friendly neighborhoods. However, social, cultural, linguistic, and structural barriers were more evident among certain diverse ethnic populations. Marginalized low-income minorities and immigrants, such as Hispanic participants, felt the lack of social cohesion among the larger society limited their ability to give back, thus decreasing their civic engagement activities. In contrast, Caucasian and African-American older adults were able to contribute to the political process through more civic participation activities. We provide implications for examining the role of social capital and social engagement to bolster civic engagement among older adults in building age-friendly communities.

Using a Social Capital Lens to Identify the Mechanisms of Top Management Commitment: A Case Study of a Technology Project

The implementation of large-scale technology projects is still fraught with failures resulting in tremendous costs to organizations. One of the factors that is widely recognized as critical for achieving technology implementation success (and, for that matter, projects in general) is top management commitment. The actual mechanisms by which top management impacts project success, however, have not received much attention in the project management literature. We use a case study approach here to illustrate how social capital theory provides a useful lens for understanding how top management's actions impact project success and show how project success is strengthened by the enhancement of social capital through top management commitment. We employ causal maps to clarify, illustrate, and visualize the complex interactions between top management commitment and social capital in facilitating project success. This study contributes to the literature and theory on the mechanisms by which top management commitment influences project success by offering propositions for future research.