ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the advantages of thinking about stakeholders in terms of their networks. Multilateral stakeholder relationships can exhibit the three different patterns that have been labeled as social capital. The three patterns are bonding social capital, bridging social capital and linking social capital. The chapter explores the overlaps between the concept of social capital and the idea of stakeholder networks. Social capital has been used to explain the power of social networks in preventing illness, improving children's school grades, lowering crime rates, spurring high-tech innovation, reducing manufacturing costs, obtaining start-up financing, strengthening democracy, and promoting sustainable community development. The chapter looks at the role that social capital in stakeholder networks can play in sustainable development, especially in terms of poverty reduction. Sustainability challenges such as poverty reduction and ecological footprint reduction are messes. Success with messes requires patience, curiosity, and a willingness to work with others.
