Abstract
Abstract This article analyzes, from a postcolonial perspective, ideas observed in the work of the Brazilian sociologist Alberto Guerreiro Ramos. To do this, first, we examine the basis of postcolonial theory, especially the general context where it emerged. Then, we examine the historical context of Brazil in the 1950s and 1960s, by discussing works by the author that portrayed the transformations in the country within this period. We devote special attention to his sociological reduction theory, as it shows his concern to discuss both epistemic colonialism and his idea of development. Finally, we compare how the postcolonial approach and Guerreiro Ramos' ideas relate to one of the most widespread theories having the precept of development as its main source of legitimacy: the International Business and Management Studies (IBMS). This analysis demonstrates that epistemic colonialism was among the key issues of Guerreiro Ramos' thought. However, we conclude that, despite the author's merits in having raised an earlier discussion that is congruent with postcolonial concerns, his thought was deeply rooted in a mystified idea of international development, similar to that of IBMS, very criticized by postcolonialism. This article seeks to contribute to the Brazilian critical organization studies, by showing the potential of postcolonial thought to challenge and defamiliarize ethnocentric and universalistic assumptions that have grounded theories and decision making processes in most of the world's societies since World War II.
Highlights
Guerreiro Ramos was, and still is, one of the most prominent organization studies scholars in Brazil
While Ramos’ influence remains strong in the Brazilian organizational studies (OS) field, postcolonial theory was not received with much enthusiasm by scholars. We argue that such disparity contradicts the fact that postcolonialism revives many of the issues addressed by Guerreiro Ramos
In this paper we demonstrate how postcolonial theory calls into question fundamental assumptions of Ramos’ thinking
Summary
Guerreiro Ramos was, and still is, one of the most prominent organization studies scholars in Brazil. Only through the analysis of practical local matters “true” and useful local knowledge could be generated This pragmatic attribute of Ramos theory, added to his clear concern with the nation’s development through industrialization, makes it not surprising that throughout his later works Ramos (1981) questioned specific issues related to practical matters of organizations and their functioning in the Brazilian context. Ramos seemed to defend this division based on his observations of the American society described in his theoretical works, stating that the U.S had reached a greater refinement of social dynamics Given such separation, the author warned that what was considered true about administrative sciences in the U.S could not be applied to underdeveloped countries such as Brazil. We do not aim to diminish Ramos important work, but we want to surface what can be seen as some of his work problematic assumptions
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