Analysis of Social Networks in Local Action Group

Local actors, living and working in the locality play a crucial role in development of rural areas. Thanks to their knowledge of local specificities and developmental potential, they are qualified to prepare quality strategies and propose necessary projects. Furthermore, they are able to use their already existing social ties, and contacts. These contacts can be on social as well as entrepreneurial or political level. How extended a network of such contacts is depends on the position of each local actor in each individual locality. Built on the principles of the LEADER program, Local Action Group (LAG) represents by its composition and character of its nature a complex element of development of rural area. It is a group combining various types of local stakeholders - representatives of communities, businesses, special interest societies and associations, NGOs and other actors. If the community finds a powerful leader, willing to engage for the development of the municipality, he or she may apply their influence, either officially in the municipal administration or in the form of voluntary cooperation of several participants, such as LAG. Given the above facts, the existence of an extensive network of social contacts and relationships and strong social capital can be assumed in LAGs. To obtain a sufficient volume of data and a coherent picture of the functioning of these networks and expressions of social capital in chosen rural locality in the Vysocina region, a field survey was carried out in the LAG Havlickuv region. The aim was to map the structure and extent of networks of social contacts and relationships. The carried out analysis showed that in the case of LAG Havlickuv region close cooperation between the public sector (local and municipal authorities) and the business sector particularly agriculture and forestry is crucial for the development of the locality.