Social Capital

DISCUSSION 1 Social capital

Social capital can be defined as a characteristic of social organization such as networks, connections, social trust and norms that enhance coordination and cooperation for mutual benefit. Social capital produces reciprocity and trust. It is a resource capable that societies and successful organization build themselves around

Social networks exist because human beings are innately social and they need each other to survive (Coyle & Vaughn, 2008, p. 1) and the more the networks the higher the chances of getting more job opportunities. Technology can be a great way of supplying someone with social capital that is necessary in both academic and professional pursuits. According to Joinson (2008) technology especially social networking sites create both emotional and social ties, can create ties and it is a great way of getting information. Civic engagement can be another good way of increasing one’s professional influence the a great example is the 9/11 generation of young people who have grasped their civic responsibilities pretty well unlike their parents and this resulted in volunteering in non-profits and supporting worthy causes. Though some volunteer because it is an academic requirement but the experience gained in the process is key when seeking for employment.

As it often said the world is increasingly become a global village especially with the advent of social media. Unrest in a country thousands of miles away can seem like something next door due to social media sites such as twitter. This site have also helped people of diverse background and nationalities to meet albeit online and struck up friendships. This has helped to widen social circles and help in multicultural understanding.

In conclusion, social capital is key in any field you can and we all need to be connected and with people for whatever pursuits we are engaged in.

Reference

Joinson, A. N. (2008). ‘Looking at’, ‘looking up’ or ‘keeping up with’ people? Motives and uses of Facebook. Association for Computing Machinery. Retrieved from http://www.acm.org/publications.