Social Capital in The Perspective of Modern Challenges and Threats

Joanna Małecka

doi:10.35765/hp.2738

Published : 2025-03-30

Vol. 16 No. 54 (2025)

Social Capital in The Perspective of Modern Challenges and Threats

Joanna Małecka

http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5017-0417

DOI: https://doi.org/10.35765/hp.2738

Section: Articles Varia

Abstract

RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: Social capital is based on the values of social interactions and trust between individuals, promoting mutual benefit. It belongs to a term at the intersection of economics, sociology, ethics, management, law, and morality, shaped by the relationships and interactions both between people and within organisations.

THE RESEARCH PROBLEM AND METHODS: The research problem is to analyse the direction of change in factors shaping social capital. Hence, the importance of sorting key concepts, discussing classical interpretations, and critical opinions. The aim is to show how social capital influences social, economic, and political phenomena.

THE PROCESS OF ARGUMENTATION: Social capital is important for development because it supports trust formation, coordination of activities, and sharing of knowledge and resources, strengthening social bonds. It enhances the quality of life in two dimensions: (1) objective: measured by wealth quality, (2) subjective: measured by security, belonging, or psychological well-being.

RESEARCH RESULTS: The results suggest that although significant progress has been made in building social capital, gaps remain, which are not solely a consequence of political transformation. The presence of systemic inequalities raises questions about ethics and sustainability measures.

CONCLUSIONS, INNOVATIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS: The findings point to social capital as a crucial factor for an efficient, effective society based on norms, trust, and loyalty. Countries creating coherent economic policies oriented towards sustainable development are evolving. Recommendations for fostering social capital were identified. Among them, the formation of cultural habits and the expansion of social roles in organisations are particularly important.

Keywords

social capital ; challenges and risk ; social communication ; organisational behaviour

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