The notion of Brazilian organizational culture: Questionable generalizations and vague concepts

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the Brazilian literature about national and organizational culture.

Design/methodology/approach

A postmodern epistemological perspective is taken to discuss culture, focusing first on its contribution to the analysis of culture within organizations. Then the central ideas in the articles published in Brazilian periodicals and congresses, between 1991 and 2000, which talked about Brazilian organizational culture, are presented and an attempt is made to outline their fundamental characteristics.

Findings

The majority of studies which deal with Brazilian culture, and which have been developed within the context of management, analyze the theme in a homogeneous manner and do not take into account the plurality and heterogeneity within the country and organizations.

Originality/value

Postmodern approaches to discussion of culture seem to be important in dealing with cultural contexts (national and organizational) where nuances and variations cannot be ignored without serious political and social implications.

Citation

Alcadipani Da Silveira, R. and Crubelatte, J. (2007), "The notion of Brazilian organizational culture: Questionable generalizations and vague concepts", Critical Perspectives on International Business, Vol. 3 No. 2, pp. 150-169. https://doi.org/10.1108/17422040710744953