This paper theoretically reflects on the direction of Organizational Studies (OS) in Latin America and presents an investigation agenda to meet the needs and particularities of our region. In this regard, the need to avoid importation of conceptual models and solve the historical tension in the Administration field has emerged in the Western world. The paradigmatic break that arose in OS during the 1960s had its regional correlate in the last years. This led to a real investigation program that shows promising signs of vitality in Latin-American OS and a strong process of institutionalization of their own paradigm.

Abstract

The proposition of thinking about the Organizational Studies from Latin America (LA) has as its premise to acknowledge that epistemology is political and that there exists an epistemology of domination which is inseparable from its material foundation. First, this essay discusses the meaning of LA, arguing that it is both a geopolitical space and a category of analysis. It then analyzes Organizational Studies in LA from the Brazilian perspective. Finally, the study emphasizes the importance of knowledge based on a critical ethic that contributes to make organizational processes that confront the multiple concrete expressions of coloniality visible, which be also relevant to struggling communities and collectives.

Keywords

• latin america
• social struggles
• coloniality
• critical ethics
• organizational studies