The Effect of Social Capital on the Success of the Fishery Cooperatives in Ilam Province

The main purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of social capital on the success of the fishery cooperatives in Ilam Province. This research, in terms of purpose, was applied and a descriptive-correlational research method was used. The population of this research were all members of the active fishery cooperatives in Ilam province (180 members) that because of limited number of statistical population, all members were studied by census method. The research instrument implemented was a questionnaire that its content validity was confirmed by panel of experts. Reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed through a pilot- test and Cronbach Alpha coefficient was calculated (α=0.81). Data analysis was performed by using descriptive statistical method (frequency, mean, variance, standard deviation) and inferential statistical method (correlation and multiple regression) with using SPSS software. Findings showed that there was positive and a significant relationship between variables of education level, background of membership, social trust, social awareness, social solidarity, and social participation with dependent variable of success of fishery cooperatives. Also findings of regression analysis showed that variables of membership background, social awareness, education, and social participation could explain % 51 of changes in dependence variable of success of fishery cooperatives.