Social capital and trust

In Bowling Alone (2000), Robert Putnam argues that societies in general and democratic organizations in particular rely on social capital and trust between members. According to Putnam “social capital refers to connections among individuals -- social networks and the norms of reciprocity and trustworthiness that arise from them” (p. 2). These connections provide individuals and groups with access to information, expertise, and support that in turn can increase efficiency, create opportunities for innovation, and foster a sense of well-being.

Building on this idea, Tony Bryk & Barbara Schneider (2002) suggest that the social connections and trust that develop between members of a school community act as crucial resources that enable and motivate them to work together effectively. According to Bryk and Schneider, schools can build the trust that helps to bring communities together by:

• Fostering mutual understanding and respect for all the different roles, responsibilities, and perspectives in an organization
• Developing the competence that enables individuals to rely on one another
• Fostering the personal regard, care and concern individuals have for one another
• Supporting integrity, facilitating behavior and actions that are consistent with the stated values and goals of the school