The social networks literature suggests that ties must be maintained to retain value. In contrast, we show that reconnecting dormant ties—former ties, now out of touch—can be extremely useful. Our research prompted Executive MBA students to consult their dormant contacts about an important work project; outcomes compared favorably to those of their current ties. In addition, reconnecting previo...

The researcher in this study tested the null hypothesis which is as follows: International funding of projects to Palestinian non-government organizations (NGOs) and social causes has strengthened the development of social capital in the West Bank. The study groups are paid and non-paid volunteers, and leaders of NGOs which were selected randomly. The researcher used two methods of data collect...

in value creation process via finding and exploiting opportunities, entrepreneurs have to create and use social networks to gain access to resources and information and benefit from their social capital. the entrepreneurs’ activities, contacts and performance can influence the social capital of a society. this research reviews the previous research regarding the effect of sex segregation on soc...

Despite the advantages of using instant messaging (IM) for collaborative work, concerns about negative consequences associated with its disruptive nature have been raised. In this paper, the author investigates the mediating role of self-regulation, using a mixed methods approach consisting of questionnaires, focus groups, and interviews. The findings show that these concerns are warranted: IM ...

In the mid 1980s, Brassica vegetable production in southern Queensland was at crisis point with insecticide resistance in diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.), leading to frequent spray failures. Through a succession of projects, an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) system targeted at the local Brassica pest complex was developed with farmers and industry using participative processes. Str...

Social capital is built via the network of connections among individuals in a community. Interactions among individuals within such a network make various endeavors more successful than they would be without such connections. The community becomes something more than a collection of individuals, because this structure has beneficial effects on economic and other efforts of community members, an...

Social capital is often claimed to be promoted by stable social structures such as low migration rates between neighbourhoods and social networks that remain stable over time. However, stable social structures may also inhibit the formation of social capital in the form of social networks and social participation. One example is psychosocial conditions at work, which may be determined by charac...

By comparing the network structure of venture capital (VC) firms in Silicon Valley (California) to that of VC firms in Route 128 (Massachusetts), the present study challenges any market-centred theory of regional development. I show that there are advantages in examining the structure of social networks of cooperation within the venture capital industry to understand the level of development of...

This study examines if Facebook, one of the most popular social network sites among college students in the U.S., is related to attitudes and behaviors that enhance individuals’ social capital. Using data from a random web survey of college students across Texas (n = 2, 603), we find positive relationships between intensity of Facebook use and students’ life satisfaction, social trust, civic en...

Twenty first century challenges facing agriculture include climate change, threats to food security for a growing population and downward economic pressures on rural livelihoods. Addressing these challenges will require innovation in extension theory, policy and education, at a time when the dominance of the state in the provision of knowledge and information services to farmers and rural entre...