The Strength of Relational Aspect of Social Capital on Livelihood Success of Samurdhi Beneficiaries: With Special Reference to Imbulpe DS Division

Abstract

Samurdhi Organization is one of the prominent Community Based Organizations (CBOs) in Sri Lanka. It was established with the objective of improving the quality of life of its beneficiaries and one of the ways it is achieved is by ensuring their Livelihood Success (LS). According to scholars, one way that CBOs achieve LSof its members is by strengthening their social capital (SC). However, In Sri Lanka, even though CBOs have been functioning for a considerable period of time, the existing poverty makes it evident that the members have not achieved LS as expected. One significant reason for this could be that all the aspects of SC: networkings, relational and cultural, have not been addressed. Hence, this study mainly focused on how relational aspect of SC impacts the LS of Samurdhi Beneficiaries. This study used convergent parallel mixed method and data were collected from eighty-six beneficiaries selected from Imbulpe DS division in Ratnapura District, Sri Lanka. Quantitative data was collected through structured questionnaires while qualitative data were gathered through in-depth interviews. Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling were used to analyze quantitative data and qualitative data was analyzed through qualitative content analysis. The results revealed that relational norms among Samurdhi beneficiaries have a positive significant impact on LS while interpersonal trust also has positive correlations with LS of Samurdhi beneficiaries. Thus, relational aspect of social capital positively contributes to the livelihood success of Samurdhi beneficiaries. The reason for relational norms to have more influence over trust is that trust develop with factors such as time and frequency of interaction, while relational norms are socially enforced and morally bound and depends on their personal value system. Focusing on these facts, policy makers can yield a productive outcome by taking the maximum advantage of SC that exists in the community when designing and implementing initiatives targeting Samurdhi Beneficiaries.