An investigation of the effects of a social capital enhancement program on teachers' current level of social capital through a semi-experimental design

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect(s) of a "Social Capital Enhancement Program" (SCEP) in an educational organization. The study was designed as an exploratory action research utilizing mixed methodology. The study is significant in that it is the first semi-experimental and expolaratory research ever conducted in assessing effects of a social capital enhancement program in an educational context. The study group consisted of 14 teachers in a school in Greater Gaziantep Province, Şehitkâmil district where the SCEP has been applied for 12 weeks, during the academic year 2015-2016. Only one group was tested before and after the administration of SCEP in order to reveal whether there is a significant change in the social capital level of the participants. For a more detailed and in-depth understanding of the phenomenon under scrunity, the quantitative current of the study was strengthened by a qualitative stream. Data was obtained through qualitative observation, researher's diary notes and interviews. Results indicated that SCEP has produced favorable results in that participants seemed to have made progress in organizational commitment, communication and social interaction, confidence, and willingness to cooperate with social networks. The thesis concludes by offering some suggestions based on the solid findings of the study.