Decolonizing Management: An Elusive Quest?

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Abstract

Sustainable tourism management seldom addresses the basis upon which knowledge on the environment is constructed. Rather, a Western-centric epistemological order prevails that positions Indigenous knowledge as the “Other.” Such an approach limits the capacity to instil a desire for and belief in organizational change. Based on a growing body of knowledge on African management philosophies, this research explores the values and norms characterising Indigenous management approaches in an African-country context. This knowledge is leveraged to build a foundation for sustainable capacity development. Drawing on fieldwork conducted in Tanzania, this study explores the diverse approaches to environmental practices adopted or aspired to by hotels operating in Zanzibar. This allows capturing how sustainability knowledge is institutionalized and (re)produced across different levels. Contradictions and tensions abound when speaking about “African” management and conceptions of sustainability therein. At the core of these tensions lies the often-limited recognition of cultural heterogeneity and prevailing socio-economic realities, which are superseded by the imposition of Western knowledge in management development. By integrating Indigenous voices with a critical management perspective, this study challenges and further extends dominant notions of organizing sustainably in tourism.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationCritical Tourism Studies 9 : With in Dangerous Times. Working Proceedings
EditorsGabe Carpendale, Kellee Caton, Bryan S. R. Grimwood, Ana María Munar, Michela (MK) Stinson
Number of pages1
Place of PublicationWWW
PublisherCritical Tourism Studies
Publication date2022
Pages60
Publication statusPublished - 2022
EventCritical Tourism Studies IX: With in Dangerous Times - Mao, Menorca, Spain
Duration: 27 Jun 20221 Jul 2022
Conference number: 9
https://www.criticaltourismstudies.info/

Conference

ConferenceCritical Tourism Studies IX
Number9
Country/TerritorySpain
CityMao, Menorca
Period27/06/202201/07/2022
Internet address

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