Social Capital in Management Information Systems Literature

Abstract

Social capital represents resources or assets rooted in an individual’s or group’s network of social relations. It is a multidimensional and multilevel concept characterized by diverse definitions and conceptualizations, all of which focus on the structure and/or on the content of the social relations. A common conceptualization of social capital in information systems research consists of a structural, relational and cognitive dimension. The structural dimension represents the configuration of the social network and the characteristics of its ties. The relational dimension epitomizes assets embedded in the social relations, such as trust, obligations, and norms of reciprocity. The cognitive dimension is created by common codes, languages and narratives, and represents a shared context that facilitates interaction. To singular or collective network members, social capital can be a source of solidarity, information, cooperation, collaboration and influence. Ultimately, social capital has been and will remain sound theoretical grounding upon which to study information systems affected by social relationships and their embedded assets.