Latin America's critical management? A liberation genealogy

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to articulate the need of new approaches for what has been regarded as a critical position within management studies. Particularly it aims to explore the gap among critical management studies in considering the colonial position of Latin America within traditional (international) management influences. It seeks to raise the liberation concept and genealogically explore in order to state a geopolitical critical enunciation for Latin America within international management.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses the theoretical frame of Laclau and Mouffe's Discourse Theory methodologically articulated by Glynos and Howarth to explore the antagonisms built around the liberation concept, as well as its radical possibilities in a current context in Latin America.

Findings

The paper proposes a new articulation of the liberation concept as a resistance response facing a new form of oppression within current Latin American affairs; or in other words a new form of colonization: the colonization through managerial discourses.

Originality/value

The paper's contribution lies in an original consideration of an (im)possible critical standpoint to international management from the Latin American radical tradition. Also the paper joins the novel endeavors to mobilize Discourse Theory within the boundaries of management research.

Citation

Mandiola, M.P. (2010), "Latin America's critical management? A liberation genealogy", Critical Perspectives on International Business, Vol. 6 No. 2/3, pp. 162-176. https://doi.org/10.1108/17422041011049978