In the literature of Administration, Economics and Sociology there are many definitions for the term “Social Capital”, many similar, but one catches my attention for its conciseness and because it can be easily associated with any company, including e-commerce. Watch:
“Social Capital refers to relationship networks based on trust” – Ignacio Garcia, organizational anthropologist
For Garcia, these networks can take place formally (corporate hierarchy), however, the most frequent and important ones are those that take place in informal ties between people on a daily basis, whether they are employees, customers, suppliers, investors, etc. For him, Social Capital is the cement that connects and drives human work networks in companies.
Basically, these interpersonal ties based on trust and cooperation that form Social Capital generate a synergy that makes companies (including e-commerces) have greater consistency.
However, bonds only form if there is a common cause that everyone can follow and dedicate themselves to. This is where the role of Organizational Culture comes in , which is based on the company's Mission, Vision, Values, and Philosophy.
In addition to the Organizational Culture, which with its shared ideals guides the actions and interpersonal ties within a company, an e-commerce that intends to achieve greater Social Capital must create ways to increase its reputation. Find out how at:
• Importance of good reputation in e-commerce
• How to make your e-commerce site have a good reputation
Social Capital is so important that, when a customer, a supplier or an employee who has close ties with other people decides to leave the circle, when he resigns or when he stops buying, for example, he breaks the nodes of the interpersonal network, influences other people and thus generates many problems that end up negatively affecting the company's profits.
Therefore, e-commerce entrepreneur, Social Capital is something as intangible as the wind, however, it is essential to generate the necessary firmness for the growth of your e-commerce business.
