Social capital can be broadly defined as the value derived from the resources embedded in the relationships between network members. It is composed of reciprocity, trust, common norms and shared values, which enable cooperative behaviors among participants in the network. It reflects the notion that the cooperative actions of individuals within a group, either directly or indirectly, can often result in collective benefits for all involved. This can be useful in understanding how collective action benefits the entire group, and by extension, society as a whole.

See also: collective action, collective intelligence, social network, social justice, network effect