Lin (1999) -> SCT

Question 1

What is the (short) definition of ‘social capital’ according to Lin (1999)?

Answer 1

Social capital is an investment in social relations with an expected return

Question 2

What are the three explanations as to why embedded resources in social networks will enhance the outcomes of actions according to Lin (1999)?

Answer 2

1) better flow of information
2) exert influence (e.g. putting in a good word)
3) social credentials (e.g. standing behind)

Question 3

What is the mechanism proposed by Lin (1999) on why social capital works?

Answer 3

Embedded resources in social networks will enhance outcomes of actions (1) by facilitating the flow of information through reducing the transaction costs (2) by exerting influence on the agents who play a role in the decisions (3) by being seen as social credentials for the individual, which reflect accessibility to resources and (4) by reinforcing identity & recognition.

Question 4

How can reputation be defined according to Lin (1999)?

Answer 4

reputation can be defined as favourable/unfavourable opinions about an individual in a social network

Question 5

What are three sampling techniques for networks (with advantage and disadvantage) according to Lin (1999)?

Answer 5

1) Saturation survey: + mapping of complete network -limited to small networks
2) name generator: + costumized content areas & ego-centered network mapping - biased toward strong ties & lack of sampling frame
3) position generator: + content free & sampling of hierachical positions & multiple ‘resources’ mapped & direct and indirect access - lack of specificity of relations