Presenting the model of social capital development and its application in universities (Case of study: Payam Noor universities in Guilan province)

The purpose of this research is to propose a social capital model for Payam Noor universities in Guilan province and identify elements for its improvement and enhancement.

This study takes an interpretive approach from a philosophical perspective and utilizes a qualitative methodology with inductive logic. It is both practical and developmental in its goals. The participants of this research were experts from Payam Noor University in Guilan province, with a snowball sampling method employed to select 20 individuals until theoretical saturation was achieved. Semi-structured interviews were used as the data collection tool.

The significant achievement of this research is the presentation of a model comprising elements such as structural flexibility, increased de-bureaucratization, structural empowerment, competence-based performance evaluation, goal-oriented management system, trust-based culture, enhanced trust and ethical adherence, development of professional ethics among employees, equal opportunities for employee development, improved interpersonal relations, enhanced management-employee relationships, collaborative decision-making, promotion of informal groups within the organization, improvement of organizational identity, and implementation of these elements in Payam Noor universities in Guilan province to harness the positive aspects of social capital while mitigating its negative aspects.

The findings of this research indicate that Payam Noor University in Guilan province faces challenges in terms of structure, relationships, and context. Consequently, this research has identified factors rooted in social capital that can serve as remedies to enhance the university's conditions and protect it from potential harm.