The intricacy of the volunteer-client relationship in the construction of social capital

According to the literature, shared norms and values form the basis of social capital. It is argued in this article that trust is more closely linked to tolerance of diversity than shared norms in the capacity to build social capital. A volunteer and client may not share the same value system or commonalities of experience, but may still maintain a relationship of trust. This dyadic relationship is an integral part of the building of social capital, which is not seen to be solely dependent upon networking of groups. Dyadic relationships of trust between volunteer and client form chains out into the community through organisations. Interviews conducted with volunteers and clients led to the conclusion that tolerance of diversity was not sufficient in defining this relationship. It was found that acceptance was a more appropriate term as it excluded the notion of judgment and included the concept of safety, reinforcing the trust relationship and the building of social capital within the community.