ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the concept of social capital. First, it examines ongoing debates in academic research and in policy about how social capital should be defined, conceptualised and empirically examined. Then, I argue for what I consider to be the most coherent definition of social capital, namely resources accessible through membership of social networks or other social structures. Then, in the main part of the chapter, I offer a detailed conceptualisation of social capital, examining, in turn, its key components, namely: resources, social ties and access. Then, I look at the outcomes of social capital, both positive and negative. Finally, I emphasise the importance of context, especially organisational context, for a coherent understanding of social capital.
