The Influence Relationship of Social Capital, Eco-Innovation, and Operational Performance in Traditional Activities in the Amazon

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this article was to analyze the influence relationship of Social Capital and Eco-innovation in the Operational Process of traditional activities in the context of the Brazilian Amazon.   Theoretical Framework: There is a certain scarcity in the literature of approaches to this relationship between the constructs in the Brazilian Amazon region, which motivated this study.   Method: For this, exploratory research of a quantitative nature was used as a methodological path, with the field research technique of applying questionnaires to social subjects who perform traditional activities in the Ilha do Marajó/PA region, in the municipality of Soure and four other surrounding cities. Data analysis was conducted using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM).   Results and Discussion: It was evidenced that Social Capital influences Eco-innovation by uniting social norms and obligations in trust networks with cooperation, through the sum of efforts that assist in the local development of small businesses. Additionally, Eco-innovation actions influence the operational results of the surveyed actors. The findings indicate that Social Capital directly affects Eco-innovation, Eco-innovation directly affects the Operational Process, and Social Capital indirectly influences the Operational Process through Eco-innovation.   Research Implications: The findings suggest that strengthening Social Capital can be an effective strategy to promote Eco-innovation and, consequently, improve the Operational Processes of traditional activities in the Brazilian Amazon.   Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by addressing the relationship between Social Capital and Eco-innovation in the specific context of the Brazilian Amazon, an area that has been little explored previously.