Spirituality and economic democracy: the case of Loppiano Prima

This paper has the objective to respond to the research question:” How is it achievable to develop respect, economic democracy on basic values driven by a spirituality in theory and in practice?” Theoretical construction is linked to an empirical analysis of Loppiano Prima, that is a limited agricultural mutuality cooperative located in the centre of Italy near Florence. We have chosen this subject as the result of making a research case (Naumes and Naumes, 2006). Methodology of analysis is according to a deductive and inductive approach (Franceschi,1984; Gray, 2007) and our curiosity led us to research theoretical models of mutuality cooperatives (Matacena, 2004; Edwards and Hulme, 1996; Hanks, 1994), that constitute an intermediate category between for profit and not for profit organizations. Moreover the theory is based on a managerial model of the relationship which derives from the Economy of Communion Project (EoC). Spirituality is that of Unity which animates the Focolare Movement (Lubich, 2001). The EoC is the economic expression of Focolare movement and in this work it is theorized and studied using a specific managerial model. The model proposed is not the unique way to observe the EoC project, but is a starting point, though rapidly developing (Golin, Parolin, 2003; Baldarelli, 2006; Argiolas, 2006). Specifically, the proposed model is aimed to contribute in creating a theory base for interpreting and supporting the practical experience of EoC enterprises. At the same time the model endeavours to respond to the research question demonstrating connections with respect, sustainability and economic democracy.