The Value of Knowledge Acquired via Online Social Capital: LinkedIn, a South African Perspective
Date
2016-12-15
Authors
Maharaj, Niresh
Naicker, Visvanathan
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
LINK Centre, University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), Johannesburg
Abstract
This study investigated the value of a member’s online social capital, in the social networking
platform LinkedIn, in the following areas: member’s subject matter proficiency, member’s
firm’s problem solving ability, and member’s firm’s innovation process. The analytical framework
used the concepts of social networks and online social networks (OSNs); social network
ties; social capital and online social capital; knowledge and novel knowledge; communities of
practice (CoPs); problem solving; and innovation. Quantitative methods were used, involving
analysis of data collected from a sample of LinkedIn members residing in South Africa. It
was apparent from the analysis that knowledge acquired on LinkedIn, relating to a member’s
subject matter proficiency, benefited the member's firm. It was also evident that this knowledge
contributed to the firm’s problem solving process. The data did not, however, confirm
or refute the proposition that knowledge acquired by members on LinkedIn contributed
to their firms’ innovation. An overall observation from the data was that members did not
perceive substantial value from the knowledge available on LinkedIn. The authors therefore
recommend that greater initiative be taken by members and firms to adopt open networking
approaches, using online social networks such as LinkedIn, starting with attitudinal and policy
considerations on the part of firms.
Description
Keywords
LinkedIn, social networks, social capital, online social capital, dense networks, weak ties, strong ties, structural holes, Web 2.0, online social networks (OSNs), subject matter proficiency, problem solving, novel knowledge, innovation, communities of practice (COPs)
Citation
Maharaj, N., & Naicker, V. (2016). The value of knowledge acquired via online social capital: LinkedIn, a South African perspective. The African Journal of Information and Communication (AJIC), 18, 55-74. https://doi.org/10.23962/10539/21656