Sustainable Social Capital: Linking Societal Security, Social Support and Public Participation in Society

The objective of the present study is to analyze and elucidate the concept of sustainable social capital within the framework of the conceptual relationship between societal security, social support, and public participation in society. The research adopts a mixed approach, combining applied purpose and research methods. The mixed methodology follows an exploratory sequential design, encompassing two qualitative-quantitative phases. Grounded theory is employed as the qualitative method in the first phase, while the second phase utilizes a quantitative survey method. The research participants consist of academic and executive experts in the field. Interviews were conducted to gather qualitative data, and a questionnaire was utilized to collect quantitative data, with 14 experts responding to the survey questions. Data analysis was performed using SPSS and PLS4 software packages. The research findings were analyzed using Strauss and Corbin's systematic approach, resulting in 211 open codes, 72 axial codes, and 23 selected codes, which were categorized into six distinct categories. The study's results highlight the crucial role of the conceptual relationship between societal security, social support, and public participation in fostering sustainable social capital. This connection facilitates increased coordination, trust among citizens, improved access, enhanced social interaction, societal cohesion, collaborative problem-solving, and the development of relationships based on trust and respect, along with the creation of shared values and perspectives.