Understanding the Importance of Social Capital

Presentation delivered to MBA students about the importance of social capital: what it is, how to measure it, case studies, applications, how it differs from other capitals, and what is happening in the field.

The Importance of Social Capital In Business

Social capital plays a powerful role in shaping how organisations build trust, form relationships, and work with both internal and external stakeholders. It emerges through the networks, shared norms, and collaborative behaviours that guide how people connect within a company, and how the company engages with communities, partners, and broader systems.

To explore these dynamics in more depth, including how social capital is created and why it matters for organisational performance and social innovation, view the attached presentation for a deeper breakdown.

About the Author

Reana Rossouw is the founder of Next Generation Consultants, a leading impact advisory firm specialising in social innovation, sustainable development, impact investing, and impact management and measurement (IMM). With more than two decades of experience, she supports organisations across the social, solidarity, and impact economies to design strategies, measure impact, and improve performance. For more evidence of our work, visit our website or download our latest research report on trends and insights for the social, solidarity and impact economies in South Africa.

Read more on this topic in our Social Innovation Knowledge Hub.