Social Capital Predictors Research Articles

The predictors of social capital in agricultural consultation, technical, and engineering service companies

Social capital is an essential type of capital that influences the growth and development of societies. The present descriptive-survey research aimed to capture CEOs' social capital predictors in the agricultural consultation, technical, and engineering service companies in Fars province, Iran. The CEOs, who amounted to 107 people, all participated in the research. The data collection instrument was a questionnaire whose content and face validity were confirmed by a panel of experts and whose reliability was calculated by Cronbach's alpha at 0.82. Data were analyzed in the SPSS22 software package. Based on data analysis, eight social capital items were derived and prioritized. They included social participation, social proactivity, social trust, neighborhood connections, friends and family connections, capacity to accept differences, appreciation of life, and work connections. Based on the ranking of these elements, social proactivity, work connections, and friends and family connections were ranked first to third, respectively. Also, step-by-step multiple regression analysis revealed that the three variables of the feeling of job security, investment, and media were the independent variables that accounted for the CEO's social capital. Programs provided by the media should focus on promoting people's social solidarity. Some investment must be made by these companies in social activities and encouragement of the target community's participation and trust. The success of the agricultural consultation, technical, and engineering service companies is based on the principles of specialty, trust, participation, and social solidarity, showing the existence of social capital in these companies. Therefore, social capital and factors that predict it influence the productivity and efficiency of the companies.

Deciphering small business community disaster support using machine learning

With the increase in severity and frequency of natural hazards due to climate change, developing a holistic understanding of community resilience factors is critically important to disaster response and community support. Our investigation of small business survey responses about COVID-19 impacts finds that they are conduits of national support to their local communities. Small businesses that have demonstrated high levels of pre-disaster local involvement are more likely to take an active role in community resilience during a disaster, regardless of their own financial security. In addition, businesses with natural hazard experience before or during COVID-19 provided help to more community groups than hazard inexperienced businesses. While community resilience models often characterize small businesses as passive actors using variables such as employment or financial security, this research suggests that small businesses take an active role in community resilience by providing critical local support. The pandemic presented an opportunity to consider small business’ role in community resilience nationally, which was utilized here to identify the multi-dimensional factors that predict small business operators’ community disaster support. This study improves upon previous research by studying the small business-community resilience interface at both regional (n = 184) and national (n = 6,121) scales. We predict small business’ active involvement in community resilience using random forest machine learning, and find that adding social capital predictors greatly increases model performance (F1 score of 0.88, Matthews Correlation Coefficient of 0.67).

Bonding social capital and health within four First Nations communities in Canada: A cross-sectional study

To date, research on social capital in Indigenous contexts has been scarce. In this quantitative study, our objectives were to (1): Describe bonding social capital within four distinct First Nations communities in Canada, and (2) Explore the associations between bonding social capital and self-rated health in these communities. With community permission, cross-sectional data were drawn from the Canadian Alliance for Healthy Hearts and Minds study. Four reserve-based First Nations communities were included in the analysis, totaling 591 participants. Descriptive statistics were computed to examine levels of social capital among communities and logistic regression analyses were performed to identify social capital predictors of good self-rated health. Age, sex, education level, and community were controlled for in all models. Across the four communities in this study, areas of common social capital included frequent socialization among friends and large and interconnected family networks. Positive self-rated health was associated with civic engagement at federal or provincial levels (OR=1.65, p<0.05) and organizational membership (OR=1.60, p<0.05), but overall, sociodemographic variables were more significantly associated with self-rated health than social capital variables. Significant differences in social capital were found across the four communities and community of residence was a significant health outcomes predictor in all logistic regression models. In conclusion, this study represents one of the first efforts to quantitatively study First Nations social capital with respect to health in Canada. The results reflect significant differences in the social capital landscape across different First Nations communities and suggest the need for social capital measurement tools that may be adapted to unique Indigenous contexts. Further, the impact of social capital on health may be better explored and interpreted with more community-specific instruments and with supplementary qualitative inquiry.

Fiscal Federalism in Support of Public Social Capital through Government Entity Investiagtion

Past research considers both fiscal federalism and entity governance principle determinants of local government social capital. However, no study is conclusive enough on this point. Guided by social capital theory, this study surveyed 28 districts, 5 municipalities, and 311 sub-counties of Uganda’s north-eastern and eastern regions to investigate fiscal federalism-entity governance-social capital linkages. Structural equation modeling results reveal resource utilization, bureaucracy, and corruption; prominent fiscal federalism attributes, social capital predictors. Its other equally-vital component; job creation, depicts no predictive powers. Moreover, entity governance mediates the fiscal federalism-social capital relationship. Implications of these findings to both theory and practice are discussed.

Personal and environmental social capital predictors of relapse following departure from recovery homes

Substance use recovery homes represent the largest residential, community-based post-treatment option for those with substance use disorders in the United States. It is still unclear what unique factors predict relapse after residents leave such homes. This study presents results of a longitudinal study of 497 residents who departed from 42 Oxford House recovery houses. We hypothesized that the predictors of post-departure relapse would be a multi-item measure of latent recovery, length of stay, and reason for departure from the home (voluntary vs. involuntary). Predictor effects were estimated as part of a two-step model with two outcomes: (a) lack of follow-up data after departure from the house, and (b) the likelihood of relapse. Determinants of missing follow-up data included less education, less time in residence, and involuntary departure. Relapse was more likely for individuals who were younger, had involuntarily left the house, and had lower values on the latent recovery factor. The implications of these important factors related to relapse following departure from residential recovery home settings are discussed.

Deciphering Small Business Community Disaster Support using Machine Learning

Small businesses that have demonstrated high levels of pre-disaster local involvement are more likely to take an active role in community resilience during a disaster, regardless of their own financial security. Our investigation of small business survey responses about COVID-19 impacts finds that they are conduits of national support to their local communities. In addition, businesses with natural hazard experience before or during COVID-19 gave to more community groups than hazard inexperienced businesses. While community resilience models often characterize small businesses as passive actors using variables such as employment or financial security, this research suggests that small businesses take an active role in community resilience by providing critical local support. The pandemic presented an opportunity to consider small business’ role in community resilience nationally, which was utilized here to identify the multi-dimensional factors that predict small business operators’ Community Disaster Support. This study improves upon previous research by studying the small business-community resilience interface at both regional (n=197) and national (n=6,121) scales. We predict small business’ active involvement in community resilience using random forest machine learning, and find that adding social capital predictors greatly increases model performance (F-score of 0.88, MCC of 0.67).

Connection between Social Capital and Sport Success of Young Tennis Players

Young athletes are influenced by different physical, psychological, and social factors. Social factors significantly impact a young athlete’s growth. Parents, coaches, and schools are important factors in young athletes’ sports careers. Achieving sport success without their support would be a real challenge. Social capital is a resource that comes from social relationships and social networks. It is a resource that impacts athletes and sports performance. The aim of this study was to determine the connection between social capital and competitive success in young tennis players. This research was conducted with participants of an ITF (International Tennis Federation) junior tournament in tennis. Research included 75 tournament players (N = 36 girls, age: 15.54 ± 1.29 years; N = 39 boys, age: 16.13 ± 0.98 years). Participants filled out a questionnaire which evaluated their social capital. Social capital predictors were significant predictors of sporting success (13.1% variance explained), which indicated that there is a moderate association between social capital indicators and sport success in young tennis players. Sports performance was higher with a higher degree of family and sports team social capital among girls. It was higher with a lower school social capital among boys. Intervention that leverages social capital might serve as an avenue for performance promotion in youth.

Is there social capital in cities? The association of urban form and social capital formation in the metropolitan cities of Indonesia

ABSTRACT High-density urban development is claimed as a suitable urban form in enhancing social capital. However, the relationship between those two variables has not been well empirically explored, leading to the emergence of competing results in the literature. This study aimed to investigate the role of urban physical arrangement or urban form in the social capital formation using Indonesian metropolitan cities as a case study. This research was also the first empirical study to investigate the association between urban form and social capital in Indonesia. The multilevel logistic regression was used to investigate the association between the urban form and several indicators of social capital. The findings revealed that individuals in high residential density areas were less likely to know their neighbours, had lower levels of bridging trust, and less involved in the community’s activities. Meanwhile, street connectivity appeared to have a positive association with bridging trust but negatively related to social networks. Moreover, the land use mix did not seem to be significantly associated with any social capital variables. However, the aggregated data of urban form limited our ability of the present study to provide specific policy recommendations. Nonetheless, this study would still suggest that urban planners and policy makers should be mindful to consider that urban form features might influence the development of social capital. Highlights Multilevel logistic regression confirmed that urban form can be claimed to have association with the formation of social capital in metropolitan cities in Indonesia High density seems to have reverse relationship with the level of knowing neighbour, bridging trust and make residents less involve in community activities. High connectivity contributes in fostering the level of bridging trust but lowering social networks. Meanwhile, land use mix did not appear as significant predictor of social capital

Depression and social capital in people living with HIV.

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Depression affects 1 in 20 Americans, and people living with HIV experience depression at 2-3 times the rate of the general population. Recent research has shown that a person's level of social connectedness (e.g., social networks) is important to understanding their health and ability to get help when they need it. The scientific rationale of this work is to determine whether there is a direct relationship between levels of depression and a measure of social connectedness in people with HIV who are at higher than normal risk of depression and depressive symptoms. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: We examined the relationship between levels of depression and social capital in people living with HIV to determine whether depression may influence their beliefs about their social connectedness and available resources. We found that as depression increases, self-reported social capital decreases, suggesting that people living with HIV who are depressed may feel less socially connected and/or not be confident they can access resources when they need them. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Mental health nurses are particularly well-positioned to help people living with HIV who are living with depression by helping them build skills for building and maintaining relationships, adhering to co-administered HIV and mental health medical treatments, and helping these individuals to identify and address barriers to social connectedness. Helping people living with HIV to address depression and promoting social connectedness can not only improve quality of life, but have major long-term health benefits. Abstract Introduction People living with HIV (PLWH) are disproportionately burdened by depression, with estimates as high as 80% of PLWH reporting depressive symptoms. Depression in PLWH is complex, and has been linked with biological and psychosocial causes, including low social capital. Few studies have examined the relationship between social capital and depression in PLWH. Aim/Question We conducted a secondary analysis of the relationship between social capital (Social Capital Scale score) and depression (Beck Depression Inventory-II scores) to determine whether depression predicted levels of social capital in a sample of 108 PLWH. Results Depression was significantly associated with lower social capital r(105)=-.465 p<.001. Depression remained a significant predictor of social capital in the linear regression model, F(5,101)=8.508, p<.000, R2 =0.296, when controlling for age and education level. Discussion Our results suggest that depression may be a significant predictor of low social capital, and these factors may have cyclical relationships that explain persistent depression in this population. Implications for practice Mental health nurses are particularly well-positioned to help PLWH who are living with depression by helping them build skills for building and maintaining relationships, adhering to co-administered HIV and mental health medical treatments, and helping these individuals to identify and address barriers to social connectedness.

Construyendo Capital Social: cómo las noticias y la fuerza de los vínculos en la discusión política fomentan la reciprocidad

La reciprocidad, un principio social que emerge en los intercambios no negociados entre personas, es posiblemente un constructo clave en la generación de capital social. Sin embargo, pocos estudios han abordado de manera empírica esta conexión. Sobre la base de un modelo Orientación-Estímulo-Razonamiento-Orientación-Respuesta, esta investigación presenta una propuesta teórica y empírica en la que la exposición a noticias y la fuerza de los vínculos en la discusión política contribuyen al desarrollo de la reciprocidad y del capital social. Tras el análisis de los datos de un estudio de panel realizado en dos olas, los resultados sugieren que la reciprocidad es un fuerte predictor del capital social. Además, la exposición a noticias de los medios de comunicación se relaciona de manera directa con la reciprocidad; con la discusión política, tanto con vínculos fuertes como débiles; y con el capital social. Por otro lado, la discusión con vínculos débiles y la reciprocidad funcionan como mediadores de la relación entre exposición a noticias y capital social.

An Examination of the Relationships between Leadership Development Approaches, Networking Ability, and Social Capital Outcomes

Participants in leadership development programs take part in multiple developmental experiences that can influence the composition of their social network and enhance social capital. However, further investment in such practices may be limited because little is known about the relationship between leadership development approaches, networking ability, and social capital. This study explores how common developmental approaches may contribute to social capital, taking into consideration the role networking ability plays in this relationship. This descriptive, correlational study included a sample of graduates (N= 231) from 15 statewide agricultural-based leadership development programs. Our findings reveal that: 1) Networking is an antecedent to social capital, 2) skill building and personal growth approaches to leadership development are significant predictors of networking ability, and 3) networking ability is a significant predictor of social capital.

Influence of Social Capital on Livelihood Outcomes for the Internally Displaced Persons in Kenya: A Social Capital Approach

Social capital is increasingly recognized as important in influencing economic development, establishment of safe neighborhoods and wellfunctioning communities. There is growing evidence that communities with relatively higher stocks of social capital in form of grassroots associations appear to achieve higher levels of growth compared to societies with low stocks of social capital. This study sought to investigate the influence of social Capital on the livelihood outcomes for the internally displaced persons in Kenya. Membership to local level associations was used as a predictor of social capital. The study revealed that majority of the households that were affiliated to local level associations obtained essential services that influenced their livelihoods positively. Overall, the findings reveal that memberships in local associations (social capital) tend to insulate households from risks and other exigencies. The study recommends that government and other stakeholders such as non-governmental organizations should formulate projects and programs that seek to promote wider participation in local level associations particularly by the poor and those whose livelihoods are vulnerable.

What determines social capital in a social-ecological system? Insights from a network perspective.

Social capital is an important resource that can be mobilized for purposive action or competitive gain. The distribution of social capital in social-ecological systems can determine who is more productive at extracting ecological resources and who emerges as influential in guiding their management, thereby empowering some while disempowering others. Despite its importance, the factors that contribute to variation in social capital among individuals have not been widely studied. We adopt a network perspective to examine what determines social capital among individuals in social-ecological systems. We begin by identifying network measures of social capital relevant for individuals in this context, and review existing evidence concerning their determinants. Using a complete social network dataset from Hawaii's longline fishery, we employ social network analysis and other statistical methods to empirically estimate these measures and determine the extent to which individual stakeholder attributes explain variation within them. We find that ethnicity is the strongest predictor of social capital. Measures of human capital (i.e., education, experience), years living in the community, and information-sharing attitudes are also important. Surprisingly, we find that when controlling for other factors, industry leaders and formal fishery representatives are generally not well connected. Our results offer new quantitative insights on the relationship between stakeholder diversity, social networks, and social capital in a coupled social-ecological system, which can aid in identifying barriers and opportunities for action to overcome resource management problems. Our results also have implications for achieving resource governance that is not only ecologically and economically sustainable, but also equitable.

Emiratisation: drawing UAE nationals into their surging economy

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine Emiratisation and its antecedents from the perspective of national policy impacting private sector organisations' cultures, working conditions and job specifications.Design/methodology/approachThe qualitative and quantitative survey covers a sample of 20 executives or their peers in human resource management of large enterprises and relevant authorities in the public sector.FindingsBarriers to Emiratisation were found to include low standards of education and skills of potential employees, inadequate English, and a lack of trust by employers in the work‐readiness of United Arab Emirates (UAE) nationals. From individuals' perspectives, it was reported that the nationals considered that the private sector offered little career opportunity and low wages in comparison to the public sector.Research limitations/implicationsThis analysis may be viewed as a preliminary step to identify and prioritise the issues affecting Emiratisation. The paper's findings should be assessed from two perspectives. First, the key informants were from one region only, the Emirate of Dubai; and second, that this regionalism reflected on the breadth of companies approached to join the study. Thus, the findings of the present paper may be seen as preliminary in nature, and are intended to stimulate further research interest in factors impeding Emiratisation: government policy, organisational effectiveness and applicant preparedness.Originality/valueTo place Emiratisation in context, the literature on social capital predictors was examined to identify dimensions in the social fabric of the UAE and draw out parallel phenomena as themes for this study. With a paucity of Gulf literature on this theme, this paper augments social capital literature by analysis of opinion of business and public sector executives, illustrated by data drawn from the fields of banking and insurance in the private sector.

Social capital predictors of children's school status in Mexico

This study explores whether family and community social capital variables influence children's school status in Mexico. Additional predictors related to human and financial capital were included as control variables. Two hundred and four mothers were interviewed as part of a larger study on the impact of social capital on children's street work in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico. Logistic regression results suggest that family and community protective factors associated with children's academic achievement include parental help with homework, mothers’ academic aspirations, extended family support and mothers’ social support networks. The author reports on family- and community-based predictors of children's school status and discusses the social work profession's role in strengthening families and communities to enhance children's academic achievement.