Human Resource Capital: Social Capital

I have spoken of human resource capital within the context of economic development and infrastructure investment in the past. Here are a couple of ideas regarding 'social capital:'

• bonding social capital is that benefit we receive from belonging to a group of like minded people. An example is our circle of friends, support groups, and a faith group.
• the benefits include: solidarity, trust and loyalty, and emotional and material support.
• bridging social capital is that benefit we receive from being in a relationship with a diverse group of people. This includes neighbourhoods and gathering centres such as the pool, rink, etc.
• the benefits include: new information and 'assets' leading to economic opportunities, and increased openness and tolerance.

Finally, when a community has healthy social capital then we can expect greater trust, lower crime, economic growth and greater emotional and physical well-being.