The Role of Social Capital in Employability Models: A Systematic Review and Suggestions for Future Research

This article provides a systematic review of the role of social capital in employability models. Although social capital is recognized as a key resource in employment and society, its role in academic research on employability is frequently neglected. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, this systematic review reveals an underrepresentation of social capital within employability models, as empirical studies do not attribute the same significance to it as observed in everyday life. The analysis found social capital was identified as a determinant in only 16 out of 47 empirical employability models. In less than half of these models, social capital is included as an independent variable, while, in the remaining models, it is incorporated within another explanatory factor. Notably, only in four models are all three dimensions of social capital (structural, cognitive, relational) included. This raises questions about the validity of existing employability models, emphasizes the necessity of social capital inclusion, and calls for future empirical research. Fostering social capital in employability is pivotal for the economic and social sustainability of aging societies, as it mitigates labor shortages, ensures fiscal stability, supports innovation, and enhances social sustainability through inclusivity and intergenerational equity.