Spending Social Capital to Rebuild Interorganizational Networks after Disaster

Authors:

Marya Doerfel (Rutgers University)

Chih-Hui Lai (Rutgers University)

Lisa Chewning (Rutgers University)

Teresa Keeler (Rutgers University)

Abstract: Social networks and the interdependence of individual and organizational actions are used to extend social capital theory to disaster contexts. Interviews of post-Katrina New Orleans organizations show the importance of both personal and organizational social capital in rebuilding. Findings show a multi-level, communication-centered approach to (re)building organizations and their networks. Social capital as a multidimensional concept underlines the fact that organizations and their environments are fundamentally human and (re)constructed through communicative action.