Structures of Grace: The Business Practices of the Economy of Communion

by John Gallagher, Jeanne Buckeye

This is a book about the business practices of a group of companies who are dedicated to changing the world. These companies participate in the Economy of Communion (EOC) project, which is an initiative of the international and ecumenical Focolare movement. For these companies, changing the world means “humanizing” the economy by consistently privileging relationships over profit-maximizing, and by putting profits in common and using them to address acute social needs and concerns. It also means “humanizing” companies and organizations through business practices that respect the inherent dignity of each person, and that are aimed at breaking down barriers between people in business.
The book is the product of a rigorous, robust and multi-year research project involving more than a dozen U.S and Canadian based EOC companies, and should be considered a case study of the EOC rather than a study of any of the individual companies. What, indeed, do we mean by “structures of grace”? First and foremost, the title reflects our conviction that EOC companies are indeed different. And that difference is centered on a conviction of the business as a set of relationships, or more accurately, a community, and the conviction that the purpose of economic activity — the production and distribution of goods and services — is to bring people together, to create community. For us, this is the defining characteristic of the EOC.

237 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 24, 2014

About the author

Born in London, John Gallagher grew up in Ireland, and is currently resident in Japan as a writer and translator. He holds a BA in History and English Literature from the National University of Ireland, and an MA in Translation Studies from Dublin City University.

Reviews

[Don Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have long been interested in a business model based on The Golden Rule. This book presents a case study approach to ten such businesses who are members of the Economy of Communion which is a world wide organization dedicated to the common good. If you are looking for a refreshing paradigm for business then this book is a must read for you.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

A study of ten companies active in the Economy of Communion, an outgrowth of the Focolare movement. The EOC maintains that economic activity is for the sake of persons and their relationships, and that a business exists to be a meeting place, a vehicle for communion between persons, or (in the authors’ interpretation) a ‘structure of grace.’ Obviously, this is a radical alternative to the prevailing assumption that business is strictly a transactional affair aimed at making profit for the owner(s). The book looks at product and promotion , planning, processes, personnel matters, and profit sharing, among other key aspects. Although in need of substantial editing, the book illuminated the notion that business can serve common goods.