Charism and Institution

An organizational theory case study of the economy of communion

Abstract

This paper examines the Economy of Communion (EOC), seen as a form of “charismatic economy”, through the lens of organizational theory, seeking a fuller understanding of a movement that continues to resist facile definition. Noting the absence of a unified, comprehensive theory of organizations, two differing theoretical perspectives that share a similar label are explored. “Institutional theory”, rooted in scientific rationalism and a teleology of efficiency, views organizations as “closed systems” largely shaped by their external environments. This perspective, originating largely with Max Weber, has evolved to include a teleology of social legitimacy but retains the view of organizations as closed systems. The second perspective, the “institutional school” suggests that organizations are “open systems”, both shaping and being shaped by their environments but through differing types of organizational behaviors. The paper considers EOC companies in light of charism; that is, as concrete enactments of spiritual gift. Organizational theory doesn’t treat this possibility at all.