Exploring spiritual capital in the social and economics context of Hong Kong: from case studies in social enterprise

This thesis investigates the recent growth of the role of spiritual capital in the social and economic context of Hong Kong. A gap in knowledge existed regarding how and why spiritual capital can have an impact on economic and social outcomes. The purpose of the research was to better understand the role of spiritual capital to shape economic and social behaviour in a profound way leading to redistribution of capital. The research also provided new insight into the practice of spiritual capital in the context of market-driven society and thus to contribute to knowledge, and practice.

The research adopted the approach of case studies in social enterprise. It was designed as qualitative case studies of the emergence of spiritual capital in two social enterprises. Data were collected by interviews, observation and documentary analysis. The data provided descriptions and analysis on what was happening in the organizations. A cross-case analysis identified three main themes from the data (intrinsic motive; organizational culture, leadership and values; and habitus and virtues).

The findings demonstrated that, unlike other capitals, which prioritise accumulation, spiritual capital is about giving and sharing as a response to the market-driven society that created the social issue of wealth gap. The findings also demonstrated the concept gap about what spiritual capital is. Spiritual capital is not limited to ethics, and spiritual wealth, it is spiritual knowledge that a person accumulated. The spiritual knowledge motived him/her to share and give for the redistribution of capital so as to alleviate the wealth gap.

The research concludes that spiritual capital is spiritual knowledge, which can be drawn on to attain the redistribution of capital within a society. This can be practiced through social entrepreneurship that prioritizes social impact over financial profit. Spiritual capital responds to the drawback of capitalist market through redistribution of capital. By harnessing spiritual capital, individuals and communities can work towards creating a more just and equitable society.