Building Social Capital in Multicultural Communities: The Dyadic Process and Related Social Outcomes of Executive Leaders
Date of Award
12-2009
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Department
Executive Leadership
First Supervisor
Jeannine Dingus-Eason
Second Supervisor
Ruth Harris
Abstract
This study elaborates a theoretical rationale for interracial dyad networks as a structural form of social capital that can facilitate interracial social capital formation and produce positive-sum outcomes across races. A purposeful sample of extreme cases of social capital developed between matched interracial pairs comprised of influential business and community leaders was used to obtain rich information on the interracial social capital formation phenomenon. The dyad interrelations were analyzed using a qualitative, phenomenological, multiple-case study approach. The study findings revealed a social capital formation process surrounding both the cultivation of interracial dyadic friendships and bridging networks across races, and specific related outcomes produced . Dyadic networks, social currency, interracial friendships, and network expansion were found to link quantifiable measures of social capital and related outcomes that provide both individual and social value. This study contributes to the knowledge base of both intergroup contact and social capital theories and offers a basis for the application of Blau’s (1977) diversity opportunity network theory. The results can be used towards building social capital in multi-cultural communities, community and economic development, race relations, and professional training that incorporates diversity initiatives. Programs seeking to foster leadership through deliberate intercultural competencies, ethnic and cultural sensitivity, diverse collaboration, and collective creativity competencies can also benefit from the findings. Future research is recommended to compare unsuccessful and/or mediocre outcomes of interracial contact and social capital formation to the results of this current study.
Recommended Citation
Cofield, Melody Amour, "Building Social Capital in Multicultural Communities: The Dyadic Process and Related Social Outcomes of Executive Leaders" (2009). Education Doctoral. Paper 64.
https://fisherpub.sjf.edu/education_etd/64
Please note that the Recommended Citation provides general citation information and may not be appropriate for your discipline. To receive help in creating a citation based on your discipline, please visit http://libguides.sjfc.edu/citations.