Organizational studies in Latin America: Back to the rough ground!

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to do a self-critical retrospection exercise about what Organizational Studies (OS) are within the Latin American context. Their development and incidence in the region have increased and consolidated --although not in all countries at the same level and extent --as a critical field of knowledge to study organizations. However, there are some unresolved matters that need to be addressed and discussed; that is why Wittgenstein's (1986) expression is retaken to formulate some fundamental questions regarding the OS identity and projection in the region, in search of a "friction" that gives continuity to that path of growth. In addition, some constitutive aspects of OS are discussed. Reflections will allow organization experts and researchers not only to delve into this field of knowledge, but also to build a stance of their own on OS in the region.

Keywords

• critical approach
• field of knowledge
• latin america
• organizational studies
• organizations