The Economy of Sharing

Abstract

The chapter argues that the manager’s self-fulfillment and the venture’s performance may become maximized through the combination of management and spirituality. It presents a new Christian model of economy called “the economy of sharing,” which refers to for-profit companies whose purpose is to realize love toward all its stakeholders. This approach requires a conscious re-definition of categories including work, money, capital, return, and dividend. In this view work is to create value with our neighbors for our neighbors and ourselves. Money is understood as a right to take part in responsible re-allocation of resources. Return is measured by a dual auditing system, consisting of the combination of financial statements and “spiritual statements”. Funds are to be considered as a source to finance the company’s growth, to support its pro-social behavior, and to share with the poor in need. Since 1991, the idea has been continuously taking shape. In the meantime nearly 1,000 companies have been established or restructured worldwide while some 300 have already been closed. The development is impressive.