Interaction of Social Capital Forms in the Structure of Civil Society Networks: Managerial Aspect

Abstract

The relevance of the article’s topic is due to the growing importance of social capital as a resource for socio-economic development, as well as the intensification of the role of civil society institutions as drivers of this development. The article explains the specifics of the interrelation of the main forms of social capital in the structure of civil society networks, in particular those related to the functioning of charity and volunteer sectors.

The article provides an expanded classification of forms of social capital according to the criteria of the way of formation, tools, and goals of functioning of social networks of civil society. An important pattern of social capital development is revealed, the essence of which is the volatility of social capital forms, the easing of their mutual conversion and combination. It is argued that this volatility requires constructive managerial influence to ensure conditions for the effective use of the resource advantages of social capital in the context of social consolidation.

The main trends in the development of the civil sector of Ukraine over the past decade have been identified. Its main components are defined as charitable and volunteer initiatives, through which the potential of social capital formation is realized. The interaction of forms of social capital with the active role of these initiatives has been discussed. It is argued that the growth of civil activity has contributed to the quantitative increase in the institutional components of the charity sector. The transformations of social development due to the strengthening of the role of the national unity factor are determined. The main factors of influence on the growth of the level of charity in Ukraine in comparison with the EU countries are determined. It has been noted that a significant increase in charitable, and especially volunteer, activity of the population occurred after February 24, 2022 – the date of full-scale Russian invasion. The main types of volunteer activity have been defined as: assistance to the Armed Forces (in particular, due to the opportunity to donate), humanitarian assistance to forcibly displaced persons. The importance of fundraising platforms for the development of e-philanthropy and e-volunteerism among the population of Ukraine has been revealed.

Recommendations for flexible management of the interaction of forms of social capital for the effective development of the charitable and volunteer sector and the use of their capabilities in the context of confronting the latest social and humanitarian challenges associated with the full-scale invasion of Russia are formulated. The use of a priority new approach in social policy, in particular agile management, which contributes to the growth of charitable and volunteer activities and the integration of forms of social capital, is substantiated.