Regulate with the invisible: A study of the role of the Holy Spirit in the elective process of the Dominican order

Abstract

How does the religious dimension intervene in the management of religious orders? While the literature has mainly highlighted the role of formal rules in the management of these situations, this article sheds light on the role of religion. To better understand how this little-known aspect of this management operates, we introduce the concept of "floating signifier," which refers to a process that aggregates different elements (words, images, objects, beliefs, etc) to build a common sense shared by members of the community and thus guide their behaviors. Through in-depth interviews, this article analyzes the role of a spiritual dimension—the Holy Spirit—in the process of electing a new leader (of a convent, province or the Order globally) in the Dominican Order. The results show that in the management of this Order, the formal rules are useful but not sufficient. They are closely linked to and complemented by an invisible and religious dimension, the Holy Spirit. By considering it as a “floating signifier,” we highlight how the Holy Spirit acts in this decision making process. We also explore its dual dimension, simultaneously individual and collective. This explanation of how the “invisible” intervene in a decision making process allows us to formulate managerial recommendations, including for private companies.