Developing a concept of spiritual capital
The notion of "spiritual capital" has been the subject of growing interest in recent years; however, the concept remains poorly defined and has not been the subject of much systematic research. We hope to develop a conceptual framework for understanding, generating and applying spiritual capital, which is equally grounded in sociological theory, the experience and practice of third sector organizations, and the universal spiritual and ethical principles of the world's philosophical and religious traditions.
Much of the current discourse on spiritual capital has taken place in the field of business management. An enterprise which is driven by the deep values, sense of purpose and ethic of service which are at the core of spiritual capital, will arguably be a better corporate citizen, enjoy a more motivated and united leadership and workforce, and consequently combine higher values and success in the market. However, while we recognize the importance and value of such efforts, we are also conscious of the potential danger of enlisting "spiritual capital" as a mere resource in the service of financial and economic capital. An exploration of spiritual capital must beware of encapsulating spiritual values within the circumscribed domains of personal leadership and human resource management, within an economic system whose very assumptions and principles of operation, based on the unfettered pursuit of self-interest and material accumulation, are antithetical to the deep motivations at the core of spiritual capital. Thus, we consider that any conceptual framework on spiritual capital must critically examine the relationships between different forms of "capital", including social, human, financial and economic capital, and the logics inherent to each. And we consider that although non-profit organizations and social enterprises in the Third Sector have been relatively neglected in discussions of spiritual capital, they are ideal cases for investigating the nature and operation of spiritual capital. Most such organizations have indeed consciously chosen, as their ultimate objective, to create social value which is greater than economic profit.
Spiritual capital has also been the subject of inconclusive discussions among sociologists of religion. This literature, however, has tended to treat "spiritual capital" and "religious capital" as more or less equivalent terms, thus confusing personal life orientations and deeply-held values with the knowledge and experience acquired through socialization into a specific religious tradition. Although our preliminary research reveals a possible connection between spiritual capital and religious commitment, we do not assume this connection to be automatic or inevitable: spiritual capital exists in individuals and groups without a religious affiliation or even a conscious reference to spirituality, while strong religious identity and commitment does not necessarily generate high levels of spiritual capital. We thus treat spiritual capital as a concept distinct from religious capital, and consider that the relationship between spiritual capital and collective value systems -- including but not limited to religion -- needs to be further explored.
At this stage, some preliminary points on the definition and concept of spiritual capital are listed in the presentations below. We welcome any comments which may help us to further improve and develop our conceptual framework.
Much of the current discourse on spiritual capital has taken place in the field of business management. An enterprise which is driven by the deep values, sense of purpose and ethic of service which are at the core of spiritual capital, will arguably be a better corporate citizen, enjoy a more motivated and united leadership and workforce, and consequently combine higher values and success in the market. However, while we recognize the importance and value of such efforts, we are also conscious of the potential danger of enlisting "spiritual capital" as a mere resource in the service of financial and economic capital. An exploration of spiritual capital must beware of encapsulating spiritual values within the circumscribed domains of personal leadership and human resource management, within an economic system whose very assumptions and principles of operation, based on the unfettered pursuit of self-interest and material accumulation, are antithetical to the deep motivations at the core of spiritual capital. Thus, we consider that any conceptual framework on spiritual capital must critically examine the relationships between different forms of "capital", including social, human, financial and economic capital, and the logics inherent to each. And we consider that although non-profit organizations and social enterprises in the Third Sector have been relatively neglected in discussions of spiritual capital, they are ideal cases for investigating the nature and operation of spiritual capital. Most such organizations have indeed consciously chosen, as their ultimate objective, to create social value which is greater than economic profit.
Spiritual capital has also been the subject of inconclusive discussions among sociologists of religion. This literature, however, has tended to treat "spiritual capital" and "religious capital" as more or less equivalent terms, thus confusing personal life orientations and deeply-held values with the knowledge and experience acquired through socialization into a specific religious tradition. Although our preliminary research reveals a possible connection between spiritual capital and religious commitment, we do not assume this connection to be automatic or inevitable: spiritual capital exists in individuals and groups without a religious affiliation or even a conscious reference to spirituality, while strong religious identity and commitment does not necessarily generate high levels of spiritual capital. We thus treat spiritual capital as a concept distinct from religious capital, and consider that the relationship between spiritual capital and collective value systems -- including but not limited to religion -- needs to be further explored.
At this stage, some preliminary points on the definition and concept of spiritual capital are listed in the presentations below. We welcome any comments which may help us to further improve and develop our conceptual framework.