چكيده به لاتين
Abstract:
“Social Capital” is being considered as a key concept in a wide range of social science
disciplines. In this research, this concept will be deployed to analyse the economic
value arising from trust networks and normalisation of social participation. Social
capital is a means that meaningfully alleviates social and organisational costs.
Moreover, it functions as a “social glue” and “economic lubricant”, thereby increasing
the efficiency of social and economic systems that rely on human interactions.
A large number of studies have been devoted to the concept of social capital. Yet, most
studies have been carried by means of quantitative models based on statistical theories
and binary logic. In contrast, this research seeks to offer a systemic approach to social
capital. As such, this approach employs dynamic models, fuzzy logic, and system
dynamics methodology. The main question of this research is: how is social capital
being shaped and accumulated? As such, this research seeks to describe the
mechanism, by which social capital amounts to (mutual) interest, in the context of
complex human relations with diverse and contrasting perspectives.
A possible answer to this question has been prepared by taking account of earlier
research and theoretical frameworks -developed by twelve experts in this field- in
combination with the insights provided by the system dynamics methodology. The
first step is to analyse and classify the main and complementary variables present in
the process of formation and accumulation of social capital. To that end, Fuzzy
Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP) is being deployed. Second, in order to assess
the social and economic impact of social capital on social functions and organisational
structures, three mechanisms, i.e. “trust-based interaction”, “communication
channels”, and “effective sanctions and norms”, are being examined. Using Venism
software, a general model could be simulated, in which these mechanisms are unified.
In turn, our analysis of balancing loops and reinforcing loops and fulcra offer a deeper
understanding of system’s behaviour of the proposed eightfold policies.
Considering model’s structure and system’s behaviour, and analysing the sensitivity
level of proposed policies, one could map out three scenarios: optimistic, pessimistic
and a normal scenario. Finally, a comparison of the most likely scenario with the
current state of affaires and the initial state of the actual system - Case Study: Iran
ministry of petroleum - Deputy Minister in Engineering Affairs - allows us to select the
optimal policy for the implementation of long-term reforms in the actual system.
Keywords: Social capital, trust, social norms, network, communication, systemic approach,
system dynamics.
