Chapter 6: Spiritual Capital

Spiritual capital is a relatively new concept in social sciences. It is important yet challenging to define and measure. This chapter presents clear definitions, a brief note on measurement, and an overview of the Spiritual Capital Index (SPI) developed by Dr. Alex Liu—updated with inclusive language for today.

Defining spiritual capital
Spiritual capital highlights resources drawn from spiritual and religious beliefs, practices, and traditions—resources that influence behavior, decision-making, and community life. It also applies to people without religious affiliation through their commitments to noble purposes and moral standards.

Two complementary definitions
• Metanexus Institute’s definition: spiritual capital is the measurable impact of spiritual and religious practices, beliefs, networks, and institutions on individuals, communities, and societies.
• Author’s definition: spiritual capital is the power, influence, and dispositions generated by an individual’s or organization’s spiritual beliefs, knowledge, and practices.

Both perspectives recognize that spirituality shapes personal conduct and social outcomes. Spiritual resources are not only private feelings; they become capital when they guide habits, relationships, and institutions toward constructive ends.

What spiritual capital includes (in practice)
• Purpose and meaning: a clear sense of what life is for and why work matters.
• Moral standards and virtues: honesty, compassion, courage, humility, responsibility.
• Rituals and disciplines: practices that turn values into habits.
• Communal expressions: faith communities and purpose-driven groups that reinforce norms of service and care.

Measuring spiritual capital (brief)
Spiritual capital is intangible, so measurement requires care. Two broad approaches are commonly used:
• Qualitative assessments: narratives, interviews, and observations of how beliefs and practices shape choices and relationships.
• Quantitative assessments: short questionnaires about purpose, ethical commitments, practices, and how these influence behavior and life choices.

Spiritual Capital Index (SPI)
Dr. Alex Liu developed the SPI to provide a structured way to gauge spiritual capital across diverse beliefs. In inclusive terms, the SPI considers:
• Personal connectedness with the Divine (for theists): the degree of connection with God and its influence on daily life.
• Commitment to noble life purposes and moral standards (for non-theists): clarity of purpose and adherence to ethical principles.
• Utilization of spiritual assets: the extent to which values and convictions are translated into actions, habits, and service.

Why spiritual capital matters today
Spiritual capital helps align power and ingenuity with worthy goals. It strengthens integrity, resilience, and long-term orientation—qualities needed in families, organizations, and societies. In modern settings, it undergirds trust (social capital), guides the use of knowledge and technology (intellectual capital), and informs responsible stewardship of resources (material capital).

Common confusions (clarified)
• Spiritual vs. social capital: spiritual capital concerns purpose, values, and meaning; social capital concerns relationships and networks. They reinforce each other but are distinct.
• Religion vs. spirituality: spiritual capital includes religious expressions but can also be secular—rooted in purpose and ethics.
• Belief vs. behavior: beliefs alone do not form capital; capital arises when values guide consistent action.

Everyday examples (brief)
• A clinic’s commitment to “dignity for every patient” shapes daily routines and reduces burnout.
• A small business pledges honesty in sourcing and pricing; trust and repeat business grow.
• A community group practices weekly service; cooperation strengthens across differences.

Interactions with the other capitals
• Spiritual × Social: shared purpose deepens trust and cooperation.
• Spiritual × Intellectual: ethics guide how knowledge, data, and AI are used.
• Spiritual × Material: values shape investment toward long-term, constructive uses.

Conclusion
Spiritual capital captures purpose, values, and meaning made practical. It influences personal happiness, organizational performance, and national development—especially when combined with material, intellectual, and social capitals. The SPI offers an inclusive way to recognize and reflect on these resources in everyday life.

4Capital => life satisfaction of individuals 

4Capital => organizational performance 

4Capital => country development

Click HERE for a presentation on measuring spiritual capital

Note: The work presented here includes research conducted by Dr. Alex Liu at Stanford University and that for the Global Entrepreneurship Monitoring initiative. Dr. Alex Liu greatly benefited from valuable discussions with several accomplished authors, including Danah Zohar, author of 'Spiritual Capital'; Ernie Chu, author of 'Soul Currency'; Theodore Roosevelt Malloch, author of 'Spiritual Enterprise'; and Lawrence M. Miller, author of 'The New Capitalism'.

Note: To cite us, please write "Liu, Alex. 4Capital and Performance, RM Publishing, 2008, ResearchMethods.org, https://www.researchmethods.org/4capital.htm.