Role of Social Capital in International Volunteering: Evidence From Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers

Abstract

Building relationships is a key strength of international volunteering for development. This study explores the role of bonding, bridging, and linking social capital in shaping the effectiveness of international volunteering. Using survey data from 1,330 Japanese international volunteers who completed surveys before, during, or after their 2-year volunteering experiences, the study employs principal components and multiple regression analyses to construct social capital measures and examine their association with perceived volunteer achievement and outcomes. The results indicate that bonding social capital, developed within host organizations, was positively associated with volunteers’ perceived achievements and outcomes. Furthermore, bridging social capital with local people outside host organizations and linking social capital with the volunteer-sending organization—both created during the first half of the volunteering experience—were also associated with enhanced outcomes. The findings highlight that social capital is crucial in overcoming challenges and maximizing the impact of international volunteering for development.

Keywords

Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers international volunteering social capital development nonprofit management

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