Social Capital: Recent Debates and Research Trends

2003 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 155-183 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frane Adam ◽  
Borut Rončević
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Social Science ◽  
Critical Reflection ◽  
Research Trends ◽  
Recent Discussion ◽  
Conceptual Innovation ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Developmental Role

The aim of this article is not only to provide an overview of the state of recent discussion about the concept of social capital, it is also an attempt at critical reflection on theoretical and empirical research efforts. The question is whether the concept of social capital is a fashionable (and short-lived) term proposed as a cure-all for the maladies affecting contemporary communities, organizations and societies as a whole or whether it has more long-term strategic - theoretical as well as applicable - meaning for sociology and other social-science disciplines. Despite the deficiencies of the recent research findings, we argue that the latter is true. The concept represents a very important conceptual innovation which can facilitate the theoretical integration within sociology and the inter- and trans-disciplinary collaboration of sociology and other disciplines, especially economics. The article emphasizes the problems of reception, definition and operationalization, and the developmental role of social capital.

Social capital and national innovation system: a cross-country analysis

2014 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 453-475 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sepehr Ghazinoory ◽  
Ali Bitaab ◽  
Ardeshir Lohrasbi
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
National Level ◽  
Innovation System ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Different Dimensions ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Positive Effect

Purpose – In the last two decades, researchers have paid much attention to the role of cultural values on economic and social development. In particular, the crucial role of different aspects of culture on the development of innovation has been stressed in the literature. Consequently, it is vital to understand how social capital, as a core cultural value, affects the innovation process and the innovative performance at the national level. However, to date, the impact of different dimensions of social capital and innovation has not been properly portrayed or explained. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of four different dimensions of social capital (institutional and interpersonal, associational life and norms) on two of the main functions of national innovation system (NIS) (entrepreneurship and knowledge creation) based on over 50,000 observations in 34 countries. Design/methodology/approach – In this regard, national-level data from the World Values Survey database was employed to quantify social capital. Entrepreneurship is, in turn, assumed to consist of three sub-indexes and 14 indicators based on the Global Entrepreneurship Index. Knowledge creation is also measured through US Patent Office applications. Also, exploratory factor analysis and structural equation modeling approach were used to build the measurement model and investigate the impact that each factor of social capital had on entrepreneurship and knowledge application, respectively. Measurement and structural models were built and their reliability and validity were tested using various fit indices. Research findings suggest the strong positive effect of institutional trust and networking on entrepreneurship. Also, interpersonal trust and networks were shown to have high influence on knowledge development at the national level. Norms appear to have naïve to medium negative effects on both functions. Findings – Research findings suggest the strong positive effect of institutional trust and networking on entrepreneurship. Also, interpersonal trust and networks were shown to have high influence on knowledge development at the national level. Norms appear to have naïve to medium negative effects on both functions. Originality/value – However, to date, the impact of different dimensions of social capital and innovation has not been properly portrayed or explained.

The Role of the Researcher in New Information Infrastructure Research

2012 ◽  
pp. 196-217
Keyword(s):  
Critical Reflection ◽  
Information Infrastructure ◽  
Methodological Choices ◽  
Is Research ◽  
New Information ◽  
Reflective Development ◽  
Long Term Impact ◽  
Research Choices

In this chapter, the role of the researcher in new information infrastructure research is explored. The key ideas informing this chapter are drawn from a critical reflection on trends in information systems (IS) research and the need for a more pragmatic approach (Constantinides et al., 2012). The focus is on developing a better understanding of the consequences of research choices by drawing on the notion of phronesis – the reflective development of prudent knowledge that is continuously shaped by and imbued with situated values and interests (Flyvberg, 2001). Specifically, it is argued that, IS researchers must recognize that research involves not just choices about how to conduct a study (i.e. theoretical and methodological choices), but also about why we study what we study and who is affected by our work (i.e. the desirable outcomes and long-term impact of research).

scholarly journals Atmospherics and the establishment of long-term customer relationships in a retail environment

2000 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 334-343
Author(s):  
I. Olivier ◽  
M. Fletcher
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Psychology ◽  
Emotional Responses ◽  
Theoretical Models ◽  
Emotional Reactions ◽  
Customer Relationships ◽  
Shopping Experience ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Physical Environmental Factors

With the current focus on establishing long-tenn customer relationships, the enhancement of the entire shopping experience and the role of atmosphere and the emotional reactions it elicits, are becoming increasingly important. Determining the factors that contribute to the creation of pleasant or unpleasant shopping experiences can influence future strategic planning. The focus of this study falls on the way that the physical environmental factors of a store, more specifically the environmental odour, affect consumers' emotional responses. This is discussed on the basis of environmental psychology, using certain research findings as well as theoretical models to shed more light on this topic.

Geospatial data in the UK

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suzanne Jozefowicz ◽  
Merlin Stone ◽  
Eleni Aravopoulou
Keyword(s):  
Western Country ◽  
Geospatial Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Uk Government ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Uk

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explain the rise of geospatial data, its importance for business and some of the problems associated with its development and use. Design/methodology/approach The paper reviews a certain amount of previously published literature but is based mainly on analysis of the very large number of responses to a consultation paper on geospatial data published by the UK Government. Findings The findings are that while there is strong appreciation of the potential benefits of using geospatial data, there are many barriers to the development, sharing and use of geospatial data, ranging from problems of incompatibility in data definitions and systems to regulatory issues. The implication for governments and for providers and users of geospatial data relates to the need to take a long-term approach to planning in resolving the issues identified. Research limitations/implications The research findings are limited to the UK, but similar findings would be likely in any other large Western country. Practical implications This paper confirms the need for a strong and coherent approach to the planning of geospatial data and systems for the establishment of a clear basis for the different parties to work together and the need to clearly separate the roles of the government in establishing frameworks and standards and the role of the private sector in developing applications and solutions. Social implications Society is increasingly dependent on the use of geospatial data, in improving living standards and dealing with social problems. The recommendations identified in this paper, if followed, will facilitate these improvements. Originality/value The value of this paper is the tight synthesis that it provides of a wide ranging and complex range of responses to the UK Government consultation and placing these responses in the wider context of the development of geospatial data.

scholarly journals Postdoctoral research training and the attainment of faculty careers in social science and STEM fields in the United States

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 384-402 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanbing Wang ◽  
Joyce B. Main
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Social Science ◽  
Tenure Track ◽  
Stem Fields ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Tenure Track Faculty ◽  
Faculty Positions ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Postdoctoral Research

Purpose While postdoctoral research (postdoc) training is a common step toward academic careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, the role of postdoc training in social sciences is less clear. An increasing number of social science PhDs are pursuing postdocs. This paper aims to identify factors associated with participation in postdoc training and examines the relationship between postdoc training and subsequent career outcomes, including attainment of tenure-track faculty positions and early career salaries. Design/methodology/approach Using data from the National Science Foundation Survey of Earned Doctorates and Survey of Doctorate Recipients, this study applies propensity score matching, regression and decomposition analyses to identify the role of postdoc training on the employment outcomes of PhDs in the social science and STEM fields. Findings Results from the regression analyses indicate that participation in postdoc training is associated with greater PhD research experience, higher departmental research ranking and departmental job placement norms. When the postdocs and non-postdocs groups are balanced on observable characteristics, postdoc training is associated with a higher likelihood of attaining tenure-track faculty positions 7 to 9 years after PhD completion. The salaries of social science tenure-track faculty with postdoc experience eventually surpass the salaries of non-postdoc PhDs, primarily via placement at institutions that offer relatively higher salaries. This pattern, however, does not apply to STEM PhDs. Originality/value This study leverages comprehensive, nationally representative data to investigate the role of postdoc training in the career outcomes of social sciences PhDs, in comparison to STEM PhDs. Research findings suggest that for social sciences PhDs interested in academic careers, postdoc training can contribute to the attainment of tenure-track faculty positions and toward earning relatively higher salaries over time. Research findings provide prospective and current PhDs with information helpful in career planning and decision-making. Academic institutions, administrators, faculty and stakeholders can apply these research findings toward developing programs and interventions to provide doctoral students with career guidance and greater career transparency.

Epilogue1

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Javier Moscoso
Keyword(s):  
Critical Reflection ◽  
Human Suffering ◽  
History Of Emotions ◽  
Cultural Variations ◽  
History Of ◽  
History Of Pain ◽  
Historical Methods ◽  
Do So

This epilogue discusses how the tension between the visualization of violence and the experience of pain affects our understanding of human suffering and the way in which we may consider its cultural modulations. Whereas the different contributions of the volume pay attention to the local and cultural variations of human suffering and visualisations and performances of hurt(ful) bodies, the epilogue provides a critical reflection on historical methods and the tension between experiences and narratives in particular. To do so, it deals with the work of pioneers in the history of emotions, like William Reddy, after which the work of Reinhart Koselleck is brought to the fore. It especially argues that it is important to consider long-term formal structures of the history of pain and the role of beholders and institutions in order to find out how a primal experience of pain may be turned into a story.

The Role of Grit Among Kenyan Immigrants in the United States

2021 ◽  
pp. 212-231
Author(s):  
Sharon Ndolo
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Research Design ◽  
Research Study ◽  
The United States ◽  
Qualitative Approach ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Positive Outcomes ◽  
Research Findings

This research study examines the role of grit in the success of Kenyan immigrants in the United States. It gives an illustration as to why grit is more relevant than IQ in the accomplishment of long-term goals. It will also examine the importance of learning from a motivational point of view. Finally, it will investigate how Kenyan immigrants with grit handled challenging situations that they faced while in the United States and the positive outcomes that resulted after their decision to be passionate on their set goals. A qualitative approach was selected as the research design for this study using unstructured interviews. The research findings indicate that grit contributed to the success of the five Kenyan immigrants in the United States. Challenges that people face in life can lead to feelings of worthlessness and giving up on set goals. However, the grit predisposition present in all the five participants in the study enabled them to overcome their challenges as noted in the findings, and they all accomplished their set goals.

Do Occupational Therapists Feel Equipped to Deal with the Adult Legacy of Childhood Sexual Abuse?

1998 ◽  
Vol 61 (2) ◽  
pp. 63-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanessa Abrahamson
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Abuse ◽  
Childhood Sexual Abuse ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Client Group ◽  
Research Findings

Research findings are consistent in showing a strong, specific and coherent association between childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and long-term psychiatric problems. Occupational therapists working in mental health services must therefore have contact with survivors of abuse, yet the literature reveals a paucity of research on their role. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine occupational therapists to explore their knowledge and practice concerning this issue. All respondents considered that awareness of CSA was pertinent to their profession and should be taught during education and training. None of them had received teaching in this area. Most respondents thought that it was not their role to deal with CSA in depth. However, the context in which they worked provided an opportunity for initial disclosure which might not happen elsewhere and needed to be handled skilfully. Occupational therapy techniques, including creative methods, link in well with other approaches, especially counselling, in treating the long-term effects of CSA. Continuing educational requirements and the role of occupational therapy with this client group need to be addressed by the profession.

Relinquishment for Adoption of Babies with Down's Syndrome: Parents' Response to the Diagnosis and the Role of Health Professionals

2001 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 49-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annick-Camille Dumaret ◽  
Dominique Rosset
Keyword(s):  
Health Professionals ◽  
Down's Syndrome ◽  
Down’S Syndrome ◽  
Determining Factors ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
The Impact

Annick-Camille Dumaret and Dominique Rosset present a synthesis of research findings based on a study conducted in France between 1990 and 1996. The project aimed to establish a clearer understanding of why infants with Down's Syndrome were given up for adoption, to evaluate the extent of the phenomenon and its evolution over the long term. It also analysed the impact of the diagnosis on the parents' decision about whether to keep the baby or not and highlighted the determining factors in babies being given up for adoption.

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