Analyzing the Dimensions and Components of Social Capital in Organizations (Case Study: Organizations in Varamin City)

Abstract

This study delves into the dimensions of social capital and its prevalence within organizations. Utilizing theories in the field of social capital, such as those proposed by Bourdieu, Putnam, Coleman, and Fukuyama, the research explicates and elucidates the issue. The research methodology employed a quantitative survey approach, targeting a statistical population consisting of employees in education, hospitals, and municipalities. A sample size of 384 individuals was selected from the total statistical population. The measurement tool in this study was a standardized questionnaire with acceptable reliability and validity. Descriptive findings indicate that the threefold dimensions of social capital (trust, collaboration, and participation) have been notably high to very high. Inferential results from the t-test demonstrate a significant difference in the mean values of the threefold dimensions of social capital, including trust, collaboration, and participation. Moreover, regression analysis results reveal that collaboration, participation, and trust, in sequence, exert the most significant influence on the level of social capital within the organization. Ultimately, the coefficient of determination indicates that approximately 58% of the variations in the dependent variable (social capital) can be attributed to the combination of the threefold dimensions of trust, collaboration, and participation. In the inferential statistics section of the research, a t-test was conducted. Based on this, to assess whether the average social capital in organizations in the city of Varamin significantly differs from 3 (the acceptable mean for sample organizations) or not, a one-sample t-test was performed. The findings indicated that the mean score for overall social capital was 4.23, social trust was 3.93, cooperation was 3.77, and the mean score for overall social participation was 4.72. Considering the significance level of the test, which was equal to sig=0.000, the test results showed that the mean scores of the examined variables in the sample organizations were significantly higher than the acceptable mean, demonstrating a statistically significant difference among them.