WEBINAR: Batia Ben-Hador: Levels of social capital in organizations

Given the broad conceptualization of social capital (SC), several SC categorizations currently exist. In organizations, it is customary to divide the SC into three levels: Personal, Intra-organizational and Extra-organizational SC. I research the three levels together and separately; and investigate the connections to other personal variables and organizational outcomes, quantitively and qualitatively. In the presentation I talk about some of my studies and implications.

Personal SC is the SC of individuals who work in organizations. This level is based on personal connections outside of the organization as well as on connections inside the organization. Investigating this level is relatively simple. I will present a new scale for measuring personal SC and connection to variables such as gossip, cynicism, and managerial position.

Intra-Organizational SC is based on relationships between and within groups in the organization, up to the level of the entire organization. These relationships are based on trust, shared goals, information sharing and reciprocity. Many researchers believe that this level is the most important for the organization\’s success. I will present a scale for measuring intra-organizational SC and connection to outcomes such as employee performance.

Extra-organizational SC consists of the SC of the entire organization and is expressed in the interfacing of employees such as CEOs and senior managers with factors outside of the organization such as investors, suppliers, clients, and competitors. I will present findings about the connection between this level to other levels of SC and organizational variables such as intrapreneurial behavior.