Network Capital: an Expression of Social Capital in the Network Society

This article deals with an emerging type of social capital which is labeled as ‘network capital’. It is formed from collaborative practices emerging from e-enabled human networks. It is proposed that network capital is a specific type of social capital in the Network Society, and that it holds significant value for the advancement of human development around the world. Social Capital and Human Development According to Amartya Sen, ‘human development ’ refers to the expansion of choices (i.e. freedoms) for people to live better lives. This concept has universal application, so it is not only valid for under-developed nations (the global ‘South’). Many factors play into human development, among them the inclusiveness of a society. There is mounting evidence showing that social cohesion is critical for advancing human development. Participation, trust, solidarity and reciprocity, grounded in a shared understanding and a sense of common obligations, are mutually reinforcing values at the heart of good governance and proper citizenship. The challenge resides in characterizing and measuring the effects and impacts of social cohesion. Robert Putnam, in his landmark 1993 book “Making Democracy Work ” started to provide some empirical evidence for what is now called ‘social capital ’ when he examined development levels in different parts of Italy. He concluded that variances i