Social Capital Research Articles

Increasing Culinary Companies' Empowerment Through Human Capital, Social Capital, Generation Z, and Social Media as an Intervening

This article is related to empowerment influenced by human capital, social capital, and Generation Z through social media in start-up culinary companies in Madura. The research was conducted on new or existing business actors using internet-based technology or social media in Madura (Bangkalan, Sampang Pamekasan Sumenep), there were 241 respondents in total. Data were obtained using multiple regression correlated analysis, using AMOS. The results show that there is a significant influence that human capital, social capital, and and Generation Z have a significant effect on empowerment both directly and indirectly through social media intervening, especially in Madura, East Java. There is a change in business patterns from a manual or traditional system to a modern or contemporary business based on an online/internet system in Madura. This business pattern can be the same as what is happening in other regions nationally, where all business sectors are now changing with modern concepts so that they can increase income as part of the method to face global business competition. observation was made by involving business actors, especially Generation Z which has an impact on empowerment. Keywords: human capital, social capital, generation Z, social media, empowerment, culinary startup company

Социально-этический маркетинг как инструмент реализации концепции устойчивого развития социально ответственной организации

The issues of using the concept of sustainable development in the management practice of modern enterprises and organizations focused on development and permanent strategic growth are updated. The indicators of sustainable development of an economic entity in the trinity of economic, social and environmental indicators are presented. It is determined that the concept of socio-ethical marketing implemented by the organization as a tool of a socially responsible organization maximally contributes to achieving the goals of a progressive modern concept. The analysis of the tools of social and ethical marketing of the EFKO Group of Companies (EFKO Group) of the Belgorod region, one of the largest food companies in the Russian Federation, a leader in the fat and oil industry market, guided in its activities by the principles inherent in the concept of sustainable development. The dynamics of the main indicators of the Group's economic activity against the background of permanent investments in the implementation of social and ethical activities is presented. The correlation of the value of social investments (expenses for social and ethical marketing) and the value of sales (revenue) of EFKO Group indicates a close relationship between the analyzed indicators. The profit forecast using the exponential smoothing method against the background of growing social investments and social and ethical activity of EFKO Group proves the expediency (including economic) of implementing social and ethical marketing and defines this toolkit as contributing to the growth of the organization's competitiveness not only through active marketing activities, but also through the formation and maintaining a positive image and business reputation of the company; strengthening the image of a socially oriented employer, which is confirmed by the results of independent comparative studies and assessment of the investment and credit attractiveness of companies in the market.

Research On Marvel's Marketing Model: An Analysis of Digital Marketing and Synergistic Effect

Marvel Studios occupies a significant position in the global entertainment industry. Its success is attributed not only to its film content but also to its unique marketing strategies. This paper aims to analyze Marvel's digital marketing model and the synergistic effects across different media. Through case studies of Marvel Studios' marketing strategies, this paper explores its practices and achievements in social media, content marketing, and cross-platform collaboration. Furthermore, this paper examines relevant market data and user feedback, comparing Marvel's marketing model with other well-known brands through comparative analysis. The research finds that Marvel has successfully established a strong brand influence and a loyal fan base through precise digital marketing and efficient media synergy. This paper will help other enterprises understand how to use digital marketing and synergies to enhance brand value and market competitiveness, demonstrating the effectiveness of Marvel's digital marketing strategies in developing brand cohesion and achieving high returns.

How to expand the thermos cup market through network publicity and product positioning

With the steady growth of the global stainless steel thermos cup market, social platform marketing plays a key role in enhancing brand influence and product sales. Through the study of Standly's case, this paper first describes the strategy of making thermos cups into "fashion accessories", and Stanley has achieved remarkable market expansion by increasing the attention of female consumers; Then, the actual effect of this strategy is analyzed, that is, the sales volume of its star product Quencher series has increased greatly. Finally, suggestions on using new technologies and social media marketing are put forward to meet the needs of consumers and enhance brand influence. It is concluded that continuous innovation and optimization of market positioning are the key to maintain the leading position in the competition of vacuum flask industry. Research on marketing strategy is very important for enterprises to succeed in the rapidly changing market. It can not only help enterprises identify market opportunities and optimize resource allocation, but also meet customer needs, enhance brand influence, and ultimately promote the sustainable development and growth of enterprises.

Sea turtles stranded ashore: Sociocultural dissonance and identity conflicts in migration intentions of Chinese international student returnees

In the post-COVID-19 era, Chinese international student returnees are facing greater identity conflicts during their reintegration. Understanding their sociocultural and ideological identity negotiation will better accommodate their needs and facilitate their integration into society. This study explored identity conflicts experienced by Chinese student returnees across ecological systems after reentry to China during COVID-19. A qualitative approach was used with 20 returnees. The key findings of this study reveal multi-layered conflicts stemming from the discordance between traditional Eastern values and newly acquired Western perspectives across meso-to-macro systems. In addition, important factors corresponding to returnees’ social capital were identified during the acculturation. Coping mechanisms and migration intentions were observed to vary distinctly among the identified identity clusters. Individuals with a "homestayer" identity, characterized by a deep commitment to integrating with the Chinese community and a higher level of perceived social capital in China, predominantly employed positive coping strategies, such as behavioral adaptation. This group exhibited a strong inclination to remain in China. Conversely, those with a "wayfarer" identity, who experienced deeper immersion in foreign cultures and displayed critical views towards Chinese society with a perceived low social capital in China, tended to adopt negative coping strategies like social withdrawal, correlating with a pronounced intention to migrate. Finally, "navigators", who skillfully balance their native Chinese and foreign cultural identities and effectively manage transnational engagements and diverse cultural norms through their perceived strong social capital in both societies, demonstrated a tendency towards hybrid coping strategies tailored to individual scenarios, reflecting a nuanced, case-by-case approach. This group exhibited a mixed migration intention, indicative of their flexible identity orientation. These findings suggest the need for multi-level support systems and policies that not only facilitate returnee identity continuity but also foster an inclusive and diverse societal framework to effectively retain this valuable population.

Effects of Social Capital on the Adoption of Green Production Technologies by Rice Farmers: Moderation Effects Based on Risk Preferences

In the context of global climate change and energy and resource scarcity, understanding the factors that influence the adoption of green production technology by rice farmers and promoting a transformation in agricultural practices towards low-carbon and environmentally friendly methods represent a crucial step towards achieving sustainable development. This study employs an ordered logit model to comprehensively explore the influence mechanism of social capital and risk preference within the adoption of green production technology by rice farmers. Research indicates that social capital can significantly and positively affect rice farmers’ uptake of green production technology. Among various dimensions, it can be seen that the role of social participation emerges as a particularly salient factor. The analysis of risk preference demonstrates that it exerts a negative moderating influence. The heterogeneity analysis results indicate that new-generation and part-time rice farmers prefer adopting new technologies if they possess higher social capital. In light of the findings above, it is recommended that the organizational support of cooperatives and collective action be reinforced; the use of digital technologies in agriculture should be increased; the livelihood changes of rice farmers be considered to meet their heterogeneous needs accurately; and the integration of carbon emission reduction policies and green production technologies be strengthened to promote the widespread adoption of green technologies among rice farmers.

Unveiling health inequities: Exploring the role of social capital and public trust in bridging racial disparities in health‐care coverage for Hispanics

AbstractObjectiveThis study examines the racial disparity in health‐care coverage between Hispanics and whites. Racial disparities in accessing health‐care services have worsened in the United States, exacerbating social and economic inequality between whites and racial/ethnic minority groups. While existing research primarily attributes these disparities to income differences among racial groups, this study focuses on the mediating role of social capital and the moderating role of public trust in formal institutions, while controlling for income and other socioeconomic factors.MethodsDrawing on a survey data set collected in the Austin area of Texas in 2020, we test a series of regression models using mediating and moderating analyses.ResultsWe find that Hispanics, as a major ethnic minority group, have lower levels of social capital compared to whites, which contributes to the gap in health‐care coverage. The results indicate that social capital has mediating effects in positively transmitting the effect of being Hispanic on access to health‐care coverage. In addition, trust in nonprofits positively moderates the main relationship.ConclusionThe study suggests that promoting social capital for Hispanics can help bridge racial disparities in accessing healthcare. Our study provides policy recommendations for nonprofits to collaborate with government agencies.

‘Unbecoming’ a Professional: The Role of Memory during Field Transitions in Japan and the USA

AbstractExisting scholarship documents how, in becoming a professional, such as a partner in a professional services firm (PSF), one's habitus comes into alignment with field expectations. Less understood, however, is what happens to habitus and, relatedly, to professionals' accumulated cultural, social, and economic capitals, as individuals ‘unbecome’ a professional and transition away from the field. We examine this overlooked phenomenon via individual and focus group interviews with partners retired from PSFs in Japan and the USA. We find that, in unbecoming a professional, aspects of ex‐partners' habitus may be misaligned with the field they operate in, prompting a hysteresis effect. The lack of fit of habitus with one's current circumstances is induced by ex‐partners' nostalgia regarding accumulated capitals, that is, wistful memories capable of structuring present and future actions. By demonstrating how nostalgia informs ex‐partners' experience of the hysteresis effect, this paper contributes to understandings of the importance of memory when detaching from one's profession. Furthermore, given that our investigation is carried out across two distinct cultural settings, we also theorize how country‐specific historical work arrangements may condition memory in professionals' unbecoming from PSFs.

Problems of Value Orientation of Contemporary College Students and Countermeasures

Values, in fact, is the process of cultivating one’s own mind to correctly view money, fame, gain and loss. It serves as the core of human spiritual field and influences human values and behavioural patterns. Contemporary college students are a generation of attention, they have certain knowledge and ability, with the expressive desire of exploration and research. Among the values of college students, values influence all aspects. Therefore, under the condition of socialist market economy constantly tends to improve, the main work of colleges and universities is to deeply understand the current situation of college students’ values, and timely and effectively strengthen the ideological and moral education of college students, in order to cultivate talents and qualified citizens who can be used by the society.

Toward Context-Aware Privacy Enhancing Technologies for Online Self-Disclosure

Voluntary sharing of personal information is at the heart of user engagement on social media and central to platforms' business models. From the users' perspective, so-called self-disclosure is closely connected with both privacy risks and social rewards. Prior work has studied contextual influences on self-disclosure, from platform affordances and interface design to user demographics and perceived social capital. Our work takes a mixed-methods approach to understand the contextual information which might be integrated in the development of privacy-enhancing technologies. Through observational study of several Reddit communities, we explore the ways in which topic of discussion, group norms, peer effects, and audience size are correlated with personal information sharing. We then build and test a prototype privacy-enhancing tool that exposes these contextual factors. Our work culminates in a browser extension that automatically detects instances of self-disclosure in Reddit posts at the time of posting and provides additional context to users before they post to support enhanced privacy decision-making. We share this prototype with social media users, solicit their feedback, and outline a path forward for privacy-enhancing technologies in this space.

Do rating agencies consider the social capital of the firm in their ratings?

Do rating agencies consider the social capital of the firm in their ratings?

Social Media Usage and Social Capital as Determinants of Oil Palm Integration Practices Among Smallholders in East Malaysia

Social media plays an increasingly important role in expanding social networks, which may influence the development of social capital among rural communities. This study investigates the relationship between social capital, social media usage, and the adoption of integration practices among oil palm smallholders in East Malaysia. A survey of 194 smallholders revealed that those with higher education levels had significantly higher bonding social capital (p < 0.05). Additionally, smallholders who had used WhatsApp for five years or more exhibited significantly higher levels of both bonding and bridging social capital (p < 0.05). The study found a significant association between bridging social capital and integration practices, particularly non-agricultural activities, but no significant link with bonding social capital. Logistic regression showed that smallholders with higher bridging social capital were more likely to engage in non-agricultural integration practices (OR = 5.64, 95% CI = 2.30–13.83, p < 0.001). These findings suggest that targeted efforts to enhance social media literacy could strengthen social capital and diversify the economic activities of smallholders. Expanding future research to cover a broader geographical area with varying internet accessibility is recommended.

Digital media ecosystem: a dimensional analysis according to the criteria of specialists

Digital marketing plays an important role in achieving organizations' strategies. This article aims to identify the elements and resources capable of configuring a digital media system that increases the effectiveness of commercial strategies. The present study was a non-experimental cross-sectional study. The empirical method used was data collection with an instrument structured by 5-option Likert scales. The survey was applied to 273 specialists. The statistical procedure used to measure the quality of the model was reliability analysis and factor analysis. The elements most recommended by experts in each digital channel were defined. It is concluded that a digital media ecosystem is formed by social networks, paid advertising, mobile marketing, organic positioning, social media, email marketing, and websites.

Interactive Cycles between Energy Education and Energy Preferences: A Literature Review on Empirical Evidence

The ultimate goal of energy education is to cultivate citizens with energy literacy, which in turn influences the energy preferences of the general public. Various aspects, such as teaching, practice, publicity, and participation, all profoundly impact the formation of energy literacy. This study reviews the role of energy education in educational policy-making, the operation of educational systems, the design of innovative energy industry environments, and public participation. Through a systematic review, this study integrates empirical research across various contexts and environments. The relevant topics of empirical research include ‘energy education’, ‘energy literacy’, ‘energy preferences’, ‘energy education policy’, ‘operation of energy education systems’, ‘creation of a renewable energy industry environment’, and ‘public participation’. These studies indicate that energy education can enhance participants’ awareness of energy through knowledge transfer, enabling them to adopt more effective energy solutions and cultivate citizens with energy literacy. Energy education not only shapes the public’s energy literacy but also further influences energy preferences, which in turn can have profound effects on social interactions, market outcomes, and political and social systems. Finally, from the perspectives of ‘educational shaping’ and ‘cultural shaping’, the research explores the impact of energy education on the energy environment and people’s values. The findings reveal that society gradually forms a consensus on energy through long-term interactions, establishing a unique energy culture that subsequently influences the direction and implementation of national energy policies. There exist interactive cycles between energy education and energy policy: energy education influences public energy preferences, while energy culture, in turn, affects policy formulation.

Asset Returns: Reimagining Generative ESG Indexes and Market Interconnectedness

Financial economists have long studied factors related to risk premiums, pricing biases, and diversification impediments. This study examines the relationship between a firm’s commitment to environmental, social, and governance principles (ESGs) and asset market returns. We incorporate an algorithmic protocol to identify three nonobservable but pervasive E, S, and G time-series factors to meet the study’s objectives. The novel factors were tested for information content by constructing a six-factor Fama and French model following the imposition of the isolation and disentanglement algorithm. Realizing that nonlinear relationships characterize models incorporating both observable and nonobservable factors, the Fama and French model statement was estimated using an enhanced shallow-learning neural network. Finally, as a post hoc measure, we integrated explainable AI (XAI) to simplify the machine learning outputs. Our study extends the literature on the disentanglement of investment factors across two dimensions. We first identify new time-series-based E, S, and G factors. Second, we demonstrate how machine learning can be used to model asset returns, considering the complex interconnectedness of sustainability factors. Our approach is further supported by comparing neural-network-estimated E, S, and G weights with London Stock Exchange ESG ratings.

Using habitus and ethnic identity theory to investigate the decision-making of Canadian Modern Orthodox young people

ABSTRACT Students’ access to higher education is significantly shaped by the cultural and social capital they hold and aspire to gain. This study examines Canadian Modern Orthodox high school graduates pursuing higher education, exploring the factors that influence their choices. By framing Canadian Modern Orthodox Judaism as an ethnic minority identity, the research reveals how this identity shapes the decision-making process of young adults. The study integrates Bourdieu’s concept of habitus and Phinney’s theory of ethnic identity to understand how students in a close-knit community plan their futures, balancing considerations of reputation, marriage, and career. Based on eight years of teaching at a Modern Orthodox high school in Southern Ontario, the study uses institutional ethnography to identify two key pathways: Pathway 1 involves students taking a gap year in Israel, postponing their minority status on North American campuses, while Pathway 2 sees students entering directly into secular universities, where they become ethnic minorities for the first time. The paper also explores how students manage their post-secondary experiences and the impact on their cultural and social capital. Those who choose a gap year in Israel often accumulate greater cultural and social capital within their community compared to those who enter university directly.

Building resilience of the Ghanaian healthcare system: Lessons from a global health stage: Preparedness for the next pandemic: A scoping review

Background The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has underscored the need for resilient health systems. However, Ghana does not seem to achieve commensurate results, suggesting potential gaps in critical interventions. This study examines these gaps by drawing on global experiences to guide Ghana's preparedness for future emergencies. Methods A scoping review based on the synthesis of published journal articles and grey literature was used to gather relevant evidence to address the study’s objective. Peer-reviewed literature searches were conducted in databases, including Medline, Scopus, and Health Sources, supplemented by searches on organizational websites to identify grey literature. We adopted the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) framework to explore how health systems responded to the COVID-19 pandemic globally and draw lessons for strengthening Ghana's health system resilience. We analyzed policy responses in three main areas: pandemic preparedness, crisis management, and response and recovery. Results Ten strategies emerged from the study as critical in strengthening health system resilience against future pandemics. These strategies include whole-of-government engagement, financing for preparedness, community engagement and trust, robust surveillance systems, emergency medical care, diverse workforce development, digital health integration, critical health infrastructure, well-planned commodities/products, and social capital. Each strategy plays a vital role in enhancing preparedness, response, and recovery efforts, highlighting the multifaceted approach needed to mitigate the impact of future pandemics on health systems. Conclusions The identified strategies align with the attributes of a resilient healthcare system. By adopting these strategies, Ghana can build a resilient healthcare system that effectively addresses future challenges, guided by global insights and experiences.

Diverse Disconnectedness: Homophily, Social Capital Inequality, and Student Experiences in Law School

Diverse Disconnectedness: Homophily, Social Capital Inequality, and Student Experiences in Law School

Donating or collecting? Differential impact mechanisms of knowledge sharing through enterprise social media on employees' innovative work behavior

PurposeIn the digital age, enterprise social media (ESM) has been broadly used to break the barrier of space and time for knowledge sharing involving two activities—knowledge donating and knowledge collecting. Yet, hardly any study has thus far explored how and when knowledge donating and knowledge collecting through ESM impact employees’ innovative work behavior (IWB). Therefore, drawing on the social exchange theory, this study aims to introduce relational social capital as a mediator and performance climate as a moderator to examine differential impact mechanisms of knowledge donating and knowledge collecting through ESM on employee IWB.Design/methodology/approachFirst, we collected 225 survey data from employees who used ESM at work. Then, according to the two-stage procedure of the partial least square structural equation modeling method, we established and analyzed a moderated mediation model based on the context of ESM.FindingsResults demonstrate that knowledge donating through ESM has a positive relationship with IWB, but knowledge collecting through ESM has no such relationship. Through the mediation of relational social capital, both knowledge donating and knowledge collecting through ESM have indirect positive relationships with IWB, but knowledge collecting through ESM has a greater one. Moreover, when employees perceived a relatively high-performance climate, the positive relationships of knowledge donating and knowledge collecting through ESM with IWB via relational social capital would be stronger.Practical implicationsOn the one hand, organizational managers should not only focus on different innovation benefits caused by knowledge donating and knowledge collecting through ESM but also should realize differences in the direct/indirect effect of knowledge donating and knowledge collecting through ESM on IWB. On the other hand, employees need to proactively enhance their innovative ability by considering knowledge donating/collecting channels (e.g. ESM), gaining successful competitiveness. Moreover, both managers and employees should realize that different innovation benefits of knowledge sharing activities through ESM can be further strengthened when establishing a high-performance climate.Originality/valueDifferent from prior literature on knowledge sharing or ESM, this study contributes to analyzing the differential effects of two dimensions (i.e. knowledge donating and knowledge collecting) of knowledge sharing on employees' IWB in the context of ESM.

Enhancing or Compensating? Role of On- and Offline Social Capital and Technological Self-Efficacy on Subjective Well-Being among Immigrants and Natives.

The ability and self-efficacy to utilize the internet and technological devices has become critical during the COVID-19 pandemic. By examining the role of on- and offline social capital as a moderator in the relationship between technological self-efficacy (TSE) and subjective well-being, this study aims to contribute to the understanding of whether the social compensation or social enhancement hypotheses explain the well-being of immigrants in South Korea during the COVID-19 pandemic. We analyzed data from the 2020 Digital Divide Survey of immigrants (n = 700) and native-born Koreans (n = 6,910) aged ≥18 years. In the ordinary least squares regression model, subjective well-being (SWB) was the dependent variable and TSE was the independent variable. Online social capital, including bonding and bridging, was the moderating variable. Moreover, we tested the moderated moderation of nativity and on- and offline social capital. The results showed that bonding and bridging on- and offline social capital played a positive role in the SWB of both immigrants and native-born Koreans; bridging played a greater role among immigrants than among native-born Koreans. Furthermore, the interaction between TSE and online bonding social capital has a stronger association with the SWB of immigrants, as supported by the moderated moderation model. In line with the social enhancement hypothesis, immigrants with more online bonding social capital showed a stronger positive association between TSE and subjective well-being. Our results suggest that culturally adapted technological education for immigrants can be tailored to meet their unique needs and experiences.