The management of corporate social capital

Abstract

This article analyses inter-firm relations from the perspective of learning, and proposes instruments for governance. It takes into account both social capital and liability, and the trade-offs between them. The purpose is a generic box of instruments, but contingencies are analysed, both for the objective of learning and for the design of an appropriate mix of instruments. The contingencies pertain to industry, markets, technology and institutions. A limited number of network features are taken into account, such as density, intensity, durability of linkages, structural holes and some of the roles that third parties may play. Use is made of a theory that embraces a social exchange perspective and elements from transaction cost economics.

Citation

Nooteboom, B. (2001), "The management of corporate social capital", Gabbay, S.M. and Leenders, R.T.A.J. (Ed.) Social Capital of Organizations (Research in the Sociology of Organizations, Vol. 18), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 185-207. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0733-558X(01)18008-0