Una aproximación al capital social de las OSC ecuatorianas: caso Fundación Acción Solidaria

Abstract

The present study is an attemp to bring the concept of social capital to the context of ecuadorian civil society organizations (CSOs) by exploring the case of Fundación Accion Solidaria. It looks to understand how Fundación Accion Solidaria (FAS) uses its social capital to achieve the sustainability of the institution. Based on the literature, the concept was disaggregated into four dimensions: trust, networks, personal relationships and civic engagement. Qualitative research was carried out, through a case study of FAS. The techniques used were documentary analysis, in-depth interviews and surveys to characterize the relationships of the foundation and its social capital. It was discovered that Fundación Accion Solidaria has a solid social capital based on the transparency and quality of its services, the creation of bridges between different actors, the depth of personal relationships and the achievement of works seen as beneficial to society. It is concluded that the social capital of the foundation has allowed to stand during the country's crisis.