LE ORGANIZZAZIONI OMBRELLO DI TERZO SETTORE: IL DELICATO RAPPORTO CON LA SFERA PUBBLICA Un primo confronto tra Italia e Spagna

This study compares and analyses different definitions of the third sector including some of the most important international theories on the third sector and, where possible, some of the most empirical researches undertaken. The theoretical analysis focuses on comparing different theories and also focuses on the analysis of the relationship created with the state and on the demanding nature of this relationship, with the objective of analyzing the components, requirements and thoughts behind it. The empirical examination uses a qualitative method directed to a case-study that is carried out through: - in-depth interviews with leaders of service sector organizations in both Italy and Spain, in order to increase the knowledge on the nature of the relations between the two sectors, - the distribution, collection and analysis of questionnaires given to the leaders of the third sector umbrella groups in Italy and Spain. The collected information has been analyzed with a specific software that uses Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA). The theme of political influence on the third sector has put the issue of the sector’s identity back on the table, creating a advantageous liaison and a reflection on the meaning of the actions and practices adopted. The importance of identity emerges often when its dimensions intersect with the representation: a. of affiliate organizations b. of the interested parties, needs and themes which are not often represented in public debates, for which national umbrella groups often act as the main spokes people. It is the latter that conveys at best the thoughts around political influence and identifies the components through both an internal direction (how to involve the different components that form the third sector, in order to give a unique character and the right importance to different organizational structures and dimensions of the entities within the third sector) and an external direction relating to the systemic character that the leaders found insufficient. The role played by the leaders has a substantial relevance, it is necessary that the third sector leaders have a reading and understanding capacity, they need to have a prospective dimension that allows them to read and interpret the changing trend that occurs in society and the environment in which the third sector resides. The endurance and abilities that the manager class of the third sector must maintain while in representation must take into consideration, the involvement of the interested parties and the public, as in any bilateral relationship. Without new participation method and new representation methods (not managed through the power of blackmail), it is not possible to have an authentic and plausible symmetrical relationship. In order to sustain the social parties that have inevitably enriched the intermediate traditional bodies, the responsibility of the national, regional and local public politics is to create the conditions for an active society where the commonwealth is the connection between citizens often expressed in their behavior and private relationships.