The importance of social capital in context of bank lending in Turkey

The concept of social capital stands out in the context of both sociological and economic theory with an increasing impact. The economic dimension of the relationships between individuals and institutions is described as "social capital". Another definition is that social capital is the ability to develop and use different types of social networks in the economic process. In this study, it is aimed to reveal the activities to be carried out in order to use the social capital potential of the customers during customer acceptance and lending processes by analyzing the level of competence of existing banking practices in Turkey. A field research is applied in this course to understand whether the social capital potential of banking customers is used effectively in customer acceptance and lending processes and if there is a need for improvement in the internal applications of the banks in accordance with the opinions of bank employees who are working in the customer acceptance and lending stages. In line with the outcomes of the field research, it is emerged that is a necessity to analyze the social capital potential of the customers at the customer acceptance and lending stages. As understood through the study the customers' social capital potential is being assessed indirectly and partially within the framework of existing banking practices and procedures in Turkey. However, it is concluded that awareness and direct practices should be developed in order to increase the level of effectiveness in customer acceptance and lending processes.