Cultural imperialism: A critical theory of interorganizational change

Abstract

Current theories of organization tend to discuss the management of change across networks in a grammar of instrumental reason, thereby offering legitimacy to the imperialism that emerges when groups come together in a shared‐change experience. However, by adopting principles of critical theory, the social research project initiated by a group of scholars known as the “Frankfurt School”, we may challenge this degradation of knowledge and its companion, human domination. A critical theory of interorganizational change reveals three forms of organizational imperialism: cultural domination, cultural imposition, and cultural fragmentation. From this perspective, we may understand the deleterious human, social and cultural consequences of organizational expansionism, and thereby initiate a dialogue for cultural emancipation, a more meaningful, culturally sensitive approach to change.

Citation

Grubbs, J.W. (2000), "Cultural imperialism: A critical theory of interorganizational change", Journal of Organizational Change Management, Vol. 13 No. 3, pp. 221-234. https://doi.org/10.1108/09534810010330878