Investigating the Impact of Social Capital Dimensions on Organizational Innovation: A Case Study of Municipalities in Gilan Province
Authors
Seyyed Yasin Mohsenpour
Department of Accounting, Roudsar and Amlash Branch, Islamic Azad University, Roudsar, Iran
Mohammad Jozbarkand
Department of Accounting, Roudsar and Amlash Branch, Islamic Azad University, Roudsar, Iran
Abstract
This research investigates the impact of social capital dimensions—cognitive, structural, and relational—on organizational innovation within the municipalities of Gilan province. Employing a descriptive-survey method and a quantitative research approach, data were collected from 112 municipal employees using a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire. The hypothesis tests conducted using Multiple Linear Regression in SPSS confirmed significant positive relationships between all three dimensions of social capital and organizational innovation. Notably, relational capital emerged as the most influential factor. These findings suggest that fostering trust-based relationships, shared goals, and strong formal networks within municipalities can significantly enhance their innovative capacity. Practical implications include the need for targeted strategies to develop these dimensions of social capital to promote innovation in public administration. This study contributes to the understanding of how social capital can be leveraged to drive organizational innovation in the public sector, offering valuable insights for policymakers and municipal leaders aiming to enhance their organizations' innovative capabilities.
