Social Capital, The Social Ledger, and Social Resources Management

Social Capital, The Social Ledger, and Social Resources Management
Author(s): Labianca, Giuseppe and Brass, Daniel J.
Year: 1999
Paper Number: gbs-om-1999-001
Goizueta Department: Organization and Management

Abstract

This paper explores the role of social capital in human resources management. We suggest that the recent interest in social capital has neglected the possibility that social networks may contain negative ties, and that attention to these negative ties may provide additional insights into understanding relationships and social networks in organizations. Research focusing on the antecedents and consequences of social networks in organizations is reviewed. We consider the effects of the "social ledger" (social capital and negative relationships) on "social" resources management outcomes such as recruitment, selection, socialization, training, performance, career development, turnover, job satisfaction, power, and conflict.