Social Capital, Social Liabilities, and Social Resources Management

Abstract

This chapter 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 social liabilities may provide additional insights into 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 social capital and social liabilities on 'social' resources management outcomes such as recruitment, selection, socialization, training, performance, career development, turnover, job satisfaction, power, and conflict.