國立臺灣大學政治科學論叢

Abstract / Chinese PDF Download

This paper aims to explore the relationship between social capital and local government effectiveness regarding sustainable transformation of local industry. This paper is an analysis of sustainable transformation of the Aqua Solar Farm in Pingtung, Taiwan. The qualitative in-depth interview approach was used and 14 direct stakeholders, ranging from those from the public sector, private sector, as well as local residents, were interviewed to interpret the function of social capital in the transformation process of local industry where policy uncertainty and conflicting roles exist. Three elements (trust, norm, and network) and three types of social capital (bonding, bridging, and linking) were employed to explore the patterns of social capital. In addition, regression analysis was conducted to examine the real relationship between social capital and government effectiveness empirically. Results indicate that a positive and tight social capital was observed among the stakeholders, especially on trust and norm. We also find local government to be helpful in enhancing theaccumulation of social capital because it provides a communication platform and acceptable regulations to solve conflicts. In addition, the relationship between social capital and government effectiveness was shown, too. The positive social capital had strengthened the local government effectiveness in this case. Regression analysis also indicates trust and norm being significant variables in explaining government effectiveness. As for the trust variable, we find that the trust of local residents to solar firms is the most explanatory social capital.