"In Good Company examines the role that social capital - a company's "stock" of human connections such as trust, personal networks, and a sense of community - plays in thriving organizations. Laurence Prusak argues that social capital is so integral to business life that without it, cooperative action - and consequently productive work - isn't possible. The authors help today's leaders understand the nature and value of social capital, suggest ways they can encourage and enhance it, and explore how they can protect this vital but increasingly vulnerable resource in a volatile, virtual world.". "Drawing on major social and economic theories, and the experiences of organizations including the World Bank, Aventis Pharma, Alcoa, Russell Reynolds, and UPS, In Good Company identifies the social elements that contribute to knowledge sharing, innovation, and high productivity. The authors show how almost every managerial decision - from hiring, firing, and promotion to implementing new technologies to designing office space - is an opportunity for social capital investment or loss. They also reveal the benefits that derive from investments in social capital, such as greater commitment and cooperation, increased talent retention, and more intelligent responses to customer needs."--BOOK JACKET.