Operation of social capital in driving community enterprises, Community-based tourism group

Abstract

          The objectives of this research are to 1) study the nature of the existence of social capital in the community, 2) study the function of social capital in driving the operations of community tourism enterprises, and 3) find ways to promote operations of tourism community enterprises by using social capital to drive business. Qualitative research methods had been used for collect data from various relevant sources such as documentary research to research information, review related knowledge, concepts, and theories. Including information of community tourism enterprises from documents, textbooks, research, academic articles, and media. In addition, Field research to gather detailed information and opinions on issues related to operations and network connections from key informants who is the leader of 3 tourism community enterprises: 1) Ban Chiang Cultural Conservation Homestay Community Enterprise, 2) Ban Na Ton Chan Weaving Community Enterprise, and 3) Ban Laem Subdistrict Community Ways of Life Tourism Community Enterprise.

         The results of this study found that the characteristics of the existence of social capital that appeared in the 3 communities can be classified into 5 types: Physical capital, Relationship capital, Cultural capital, Human capital, and Social network capital. All 5 types of social capital play a role in driving community tourism enterprises in 2 ways: 1) being a cost in operating community tourism enterprises and 2) creating networks for the growth of community tourism enterprises. Promotion of community tourism enterprise operations, it is necessary to analyze the potential of the community along with considering the external context including the needs of the people in the community to determine the direction for operations. Then proceed to find a united front for action to create a cooperative group within the community before developing into an official group. This is beneficial for requesting budget support and participating in various project activities with the government sector, resulting in the exchange of experiences and the creation of networks of cooperation between other community enterprises, both directly and indirectly. Knowledge can be used to develop and raise the level of success in community enterprise operations.