Relationship between Social Capital and the Formation of Rural Cooperative Activities (Case Study: Villages of Dehkaeed, Dojoft, Chaharcharik in the Shazand Township)

This research study aimed to analyze the effects of some components relating to social capital such as: trust, cooperation, solidarity, communication and networks as well as social awareness regarding the formation of rural cooperative activities. Descriptive survey methodology and a correlational design were used to conduct this study. The target population consisted of (N=523) residents in villages of Dehkaeed, Dojoft, Chaharcharik in the Shazand Township. The Sample size (n=171) included respondents selected according to Cochran's formula. Simple random sampling method was used. A questionnaire was developed by the researchers to elicit responses. A panel of experts, comprised of faculty members was used to establish suitability and content validity of the instrument. Reliability of the questionnaire (α>0.7) was measured using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for both variables (social capital and formation of rural cooperative activities) and also for the total (sum of questions on social capital formation of rural cooperative activities). Lisrel software, structural equation modeling and confirmatory factor analysis was implemented. The coefficients of correlation model showed that there was a significant difference between the­ social capital and the formation of rural cooperative activities. The results indicated that in order to enhance rural cooperative activities, an increase in social capital is needed. Among the factors, social solidarity had the highest effect (correlation coefficient 0.78) on social capital. Overall, participants scored an appropriate level measurement regarding the formation of rural cooperative activities and social capital.