Glossary
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Social Capital

Social Capital

Table of Contents

    What Social Capital Means for HR and Employee Experience?

    Social capital, the networks of relationships among people enabling effective functioning, plays a crucial role in shaping employee satisfaction, emotions, and overall employee experience (EX) touchpoints. By fostering strong social connections, HR can enhance leadership engagement, foster a positive workplace culture, and improve organizational effectiveness.

    Social Capital

    Derived From Relationship Networks, Social Capital Refers to the Resources and values Embedded Within Professional Relationships and Social Networks That Facilitate Cooperation, Collaboration, and Overall Effectiveness in the workplace.

    Why Social Capital Matters for Your Organization?

    Social capital is instrumental in enhancing organizational performance and driving success. It fosters trust, promotes knowledge sharing, enhances communication, boosts creativity, and enables effective problem-solving within teams and across departments.

    • Builds trust and credibility
    • Fosters collaboration and team cohesion
    • Promotes knowledge sharing and innovation
    • Enhances communication and decision-making
    • Facilitates effective problem-solving

    How Social Capital Connects Across HR Functions?

    Social capital impacts various HR functions by enhancing communication, fostering collaboration, and promoting a culture of trust and cooperation.

    • Recruitment: Enhances employer brand and employee referrals, leading to better talent acquisition.
    • Training and Development: Facilitates knowledge sharing and peer learning, promoting continuous skill development.
    • Employee Engagement: Builds strong interpersonal relationships, fostering a positive work environment and boosting employee morale.

    Tips for Using Social Capital Effectively

    • Invest in relationship-building activities such as team-building events and networking opportunities.
    • Encourage cross-departmental collaboration to foster strong social connections and knowledge sharing.
    • Promote a culture of trust and openness to facilitate the development of social capital within the organization.

    How Social Capital Shapes the Employee Experience (EX)?

    Social capital contributes to the employee experience by creating a sense of belonging, supporting career growth opportunities, and enhancing overall workplace experience through strong interpersonal relationships and effective communication.

    • Fosters a sense of belonging and inclusion
    • Supports career growth and development
    • Enhances overall workplace experience through positive interpersonal relationships

    Quick FAQs About Social Capital

    1. How Can Social Capital Impact Employee Engagement?

    Social capital enhances employee engagement by fostering strong relationships, creating a sense of community, and promoting collaboration.

    2. What Strategies Can HR Implement to Build Social Capital Within Teams?

    HR can develop team-building initiatives, promote open communication channels, encourage knowledge sharing, and recognize collaborative efforts to enhance social capital within teams.

    3. Is Social Capital Essential for Remote Teams?

    Yes, social capital is crucial for remote teams as it helps build trust, maintain effective communication, and foster a sense of belonging among team members, despite physical distances.

    4. How Does Social Capital Contribute to Organizational Resilience?

    Social capital contributes to organizational resilience by facilitating quick adaptation to change, enabling effective problem-solving, and fostering a supportive and cohesive work environment.

    Related HR Terms and Concepts for Social Capital

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    46% with an upward arrow above, followed by text stating employees know what is expected of them at work, attributed to Gallup.
    Graphic showing 85% of employees are not engaged in their workplace, attributed to Gallup.
    Graphic showing $438 billion loss to the world economy due to poor workforce engagement, attributed to Gallup.
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