Investigating the Impact of Social Capital on Environmental Behavior (Case Study: Tourists in Sharabil Lake, Ardebil)

The aim of this study is to assessment of the effect of social capital on environmental behaviors of tourists in Shourabil lake of Ardebil. Research method of this study is a descriptive-analytical one which is a part of applied research. Statistical population is Shourabil lake’s tourists and the sampling is a convenience one. Data were collected through Cho and Kanga’s used questionnary that it’s validity and reliability has been calculated. In addition, in order to assessment the research hypothesis, structural equations technique was used by Amos software. The results show that the tourists’ social capital plays an important role in environmental behaviors. Social capital, also, has an important role on the feelings of tourists community, even though, it doesn’t effect on the attitude towards environment. On the other hand, the feeling towards community plays an important role In the attitude towards environment, but it doesn’t play a role in environmental behaviors. In addition, environmental attitudes, also, effect on environmental behaviors. From the findings of this research, we conclude that social capital, especially trust in tourists and generally in society, should be fortified for improvement of people`s behaviors toward environment, and promoting of responsibly environmental manners.