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RESEARCH PRODUCT

The Economy of Communion as a Social Innovation to Humanise Business

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The purpose of this chapter is to better understand the growth of EoC, analysing this movement from the perspective of social innovation and examining the innovative activities of EoC businesses. We have found that EoC is based on solid values and principles, and has a clear objective, which is to fight for a better world, eliminating poverty. Companies inspired by human-oriented management practices are those which move to achieve this objective. We argue in this chapter that EoC is a radical social innovation, as it is social in both its ends and its means, meeting social needs and creating new social relationships and collaborations. This paper analyses three Spanish EoC companies, using a qualitative case study methodology. The study reveals that innovation appears as a result of the desire to help others, such as customers and employees. Moreover, findings show that a culture of dialogue among employees, managers and the organisation as a whole enhances risk-taking and, therefore, innovation. We conclude by highlighting the need to address the social and economic challenges faced by individuals and communities and the need for a cultural change to humanise business.