Title: Understanding spirituality as experienced by Catholic entrepreneurs

Authors: Jozef Richard Raco; Rafael H.M. Tanod

Addresses: Center for Spirituality Studies, Institute for Research and Development, De La Salle Catholic University of Manado, Kombos I Manado 95000, Indonesia ' Center for Spirituality Studies, Institute for Research and Development, De La Salle Catholic University of Manado, Kombos I Manado 95000, Indonesia

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to find out the meaning of spirituality as described by Catholic entrepreneurs based on their daily experiences. The data were collected through open ended interviews. Eight entrepreneurs were interviewed. Data analysis and interpretation used phenomenological approach to get the essential meaning of their experiences. The findings of the study revealed that spirituality was understood as divine power and inner-self driving force that affects the entrepreneurs' attitude and behaviour toward their business activities. This study is limited to Catholic entrepreneurs. This research has implication to the study of entrepreneurship to offer insight that inner factors have strong influence. For researchers, this study deepens the understanding of entrepreneurs. This research contributes to the theory of entrepreneurship and spirituality since there are still very few studies on this topic.

Keywords: spirituality; phenomenology; understanding; experience; Roman Catholic faith; Roman Catholics; Catholic entrepreneurs; entrepreneurship; Indonesia; religion.

DOI: 10.1504/WREMSD.2014.058052

World Review of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development, 2014 Vol.10 No.1, pp.40 - 51

Published online: 30 May 2014 *

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