The social capital phenomenon: significance for agricultural cooperative activities

The paper presents the results of a survey and analytical study of existing theories of social capital, which specify it as a special phenomenon that is important not only for social development in general and rural areas in particular, but also for the success of the functioning of agricultural cooperatives - specific forms of cooperation and mutual assistance in the countryside whose activities are important for solving a wide range of economic, social and environmental issues within the boundaries of rural space. In order to determine the modern essence and the established concept of the phenomenon under consideration (social capital), the study undertook a rigorous review of scientific views on the content of social capital, which were formed both at the initial stages of the formation of its modern theory, and directly at the present time (taking into account modern challenges and threats). An important final conclusion of the undertaken research work should include the identification of social capital as an investment in social networks that brings various benefits to both the investors themselves and society as a whole; social relations that people enter into for profit or other benefits; determinants of effective functioning of modern organizations, including agricultural cooperatives; conditions for expanding opportunities for cooperation and cooperation within the boundaries of the rural economy and rural territories. No less important is the conclusion obtained in the work regarding the relationship of social capital with its other forms, primarily with human capital, the quantity and quality of which is today a critical success factor for the functioning of any organization.