The relationship between social capital and health and well-being of academics at a South African Higher Education Institution

Abstract

The maintaining of health and well-being in the academic field of work is a widespread challenge. The increased interest in social capital provides an opportunity for public health coordinators in the academic field to advance their social agendas so that optimal development within the relationship between social capital and health and well-being can be constant that in turn enhance good working environments. This relationship between social capital and health and well-being is embedded in networks of trust which lead to coordination and cooperation in the academic field of work for mutual benefit. Provided by social capital, there is a great opportunity for health coordinators, to flex their theoretical muscles in coming to grips with the social elements of health determinants and health promotions within the academic field of work. To understand the more progressive interpretation of social capital, it calls for the creation of health promoting communities through a process of mutual reinforcement of the social and the economic sector (workplace). This study will distinguish between the micro, mesa and macro levels of social capital within health and well-being, within the academic field of work, with the specific linking, bonding and bridging in their specific dimensions.