Measuring Social Capital at Work
Author Information
Author(s): Kouvonen Anne, Kivimäki Mika, Vahtera Jussi, Oksanen Tuula, Elovainio Marko, Cox Tom, Virtanen Marianna, Pentti Jaana, Cox Sara J, Wilkinson Richard G
Primary Institution: University of Nottingham
Hypothesis
Can social capital be effectively measured in the workplace?
Conclusion
The study confirms that an 8-item measure of social capital at work is a valid tool that reflects the construct and its links with health outcomes.
Supporting Evidence
- The internal consistency of the scale was good (Cronbach's alpha = 0.88).
- Significantly elevated odds ratios of poor self-rated health were observed for employees in the lowest quartile of social capital.
- The rwg index was 0.88, indicating significant within-unit agreement.
- The scale was associated with procedural justice and job control.
- Low social capital at the work unit level was linked to a higher likelihood of poor self-rated health.
Takeaway
This study shows that how well people get along at work can affect their health, and we can measure this with a simple questionnaire.
Methodology
The study used data from the Finnish Public Sector Study and analyzed the psychometric properties of an 8-item social capital scale.
Potential Biases
Self-report measures may be subject to reporting bias.
Limitations
The study's findings may not be generalizable to private sector employees or other countries.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 48,592 public sector employees, predominantly women (81%) aged 17 to 65.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 2.24–2.61 for women, 95% CI: 2.56–3.50 for men
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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