Pre-Conference Workshops

Measures of Social Capital, Triadic Correlations in Graphs, Di-Graphs and Signed Graphs

Facilitator/s:

David Dekker w/ David Krackhardt

Workshop Description:

This workshop explores how advanced network theory can be applied to measure and understand social capital. Participants will learn about the role of triadic correlations, directed graphs (di-graphs), and signed graphs in capturing the structure and dynamics of social relationships. The session will discuss both conceptual and practical aspects of quantifying trust, reciprocity, and balance within social systems, connecting network patterns to broader theories of cooperation and influence.

Objectives or Learning Outcomes:

The workshop aims to introduce participants to analytical frameworks for examining complex social networks and their implications for social capital research.

By the end of the session, participants will:

  • Understand key measures used to assess social capital within network structures.

  • Recognize how triadic and signed relationships reveal deeper patterns of trust and conflict.

  • Be able to interpret directed and signed graph data to inform social network analysis.

  • Gain confidence in applying these frameworks to research on communities, organizations, or online networks.

Intended Audience:

This workshop is suitable for researchers, academics, and practitioners interested in social capital, sociology, data analytics, or network science. It is open to participants with basic familiarity with data analysis or network concepts, though prior technical experience is not required.

About the Facilitator/s:

Dr Dekker is a Reseach Fellow at Heriot-Watt University Dubai and an expert in social network theory, a science which merges mathematics and sociology. Originally from The Netherlands, he has a PhD from Erasmus University Rotterdam and, alongside his academic work, advises businesses on green investments.

About the workshops

On Thursday, March 26, 2026, the conference will host up to 30 half-day workshops, running in both morning and afternoon sessions, before the opening keynote presentation by Professor Robert Putnam in the evening.

These workshops will span a wide range of topics connected to social capital, offering space for hands-on practice, in-depth research exploration, applied analysis, and more. They provide an opportunity for participants to engage closely with experts, develop practical skills, and exchange insights in a more interactive format than the main conference sessions.

Workshop Signup will be available with the conference registration

Registration will open in October 2025. Even before registration opens, you can register your Expression of Interest to receive timely updates, registration reminders, and program news directly from the organisers.

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Want to facilitate a workshop?

We invite proposals for workshops to be held in conjunction with Social Capital 2026. We welcome submissions from academics, practitioners, policymakers, community leaders, and others with relevant expertise or experience.

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