Abstract:
Social capital is increasingly recognized as a crucial factor supporting sustainable development, yet
its comprehensive impact on livelihood success, particularly within the context of members in
community-based organizations (CBOs) in developing nations, particularly in Sri Lanka, requires
deeper investigation. This study addresses this gap by investigating the multidimensional effect of
social capital encompassing structural, relational, and cognitive dimensions on the livelihood success
of CBO members within the Sabaragamuwa Province, Sri Lanka. Using convergent parallel
mixed-methods design, quantitative data was collected from a representative sample of 1150 CBO
members using a validated structured questionnaire, subsequently analyzed via Partial Least Squares
Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Complementary qualitative data was gathered through
in-depth interviews with 10 members, selected purposively, and analyzed using thematic analysis.
Quantitative findings reveal that all three composite dimensions structural, relational, and cognitive
demonstrate a positive and statistically significant influence on livelihood success. Notably, relational
social capital demonstrated the strongest impact, with a large effect size. Qualitative findings further
explained these statistical relationships, revealing key mechanisms through which CBOs leverage
social capital. These findings generate actionable implications, suggesting CBOs should strategically
prioritize relationship-building activities and foster participatory environments, while policymakers
are encouraged to design interventions that recognize and actively support the development of
relational social capital alongside more traditional development inputs.
