Organizational Social Capital and Employment Practices

• Published in: The Academy of Management review Vol. 24; no. 3; pp. 538 - 555
• Main Authors: Leana, Carrie R., van Buren, Harry J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ada, Ohio, etc Academy of Management 01-07-1999
• Subjects: Collective action; Economic theory; Employment; Employment practices; Human capital; Human resources; Management science; Organization; Organizational behavior; Private goods; Professional relationships; Psychological aspects; Public goods; Researchers; Social capital; Social interaction; Social networks; Social psychology; Social relations; Social structures; United States > US
• ISSN: 0363-7425; 1930-3807
• DOI: 10.2307/259141

We introduce the construct of organizational social capital and develop a model of its components and consequences. Organizational social capital is defined as a resource reflecting the character of social relations within the organization. It is realized through members' levels of collective goal orientation and shared trust, which create value by facilitating successful collective action. We discuss employment practices as primary mechanisms by which social capital is fostered or discouraged within organizations.