Epistemological principles of the social capital theory in the management field

Abstract

This article aims to present a paradigmatic classification of the predominant references on the social capital theory in management science from the identification of the underlying epistemological principles. Social scientists have offered a variety of definitions of social capital, in which each one expresses a significant particularity. Underlying this fact, scientists have used epistemological principles in their research, which reflect a worldview that is prior to the concepts they are trying to define. In this article, the epistemological analysis seeks to identify elements of empiricism, rationalism, utilitarianism, positivism, functionalism, systemism and dialectics. We analyse the contributions of Bourdieu, Coleman, Putnam, Fukuyama and Ghoshal on the social capital theory. The analyses are presented considering the area of expertise of the authors, being sociology, political science or management. In general, we conclude that the principles of systemism are prevalent in the concepts of social capital developed by the authors analysed. The approaches of Coleman, Putnam, Fukuyama and Ghoshal can be classified as developed in a functionalist paradigm, while Bourdieu’s approach can be positioned in a critical paradigm.