Author(ing) from post-colonial context: challenges and jugaad fixes

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine some of the challenges authors from post-colonial contexts face in writing and doing research in management and organisation studies. Design/methodology/approach This paper is based on a self-reflection and also draws upon concepts from post and decolonial conceptual approaches. Findings It identifies three challenges namely, limitations or research question as what is feasible; translation and truth production; poor writing and weak theoretical contribution. It suggests three jugaad fixes to deal with these challenges namely, innovation and flexibility in method use with argumentation; translate, but late with theorising in the vernacular, and incorporating context into problematisation. Research limitations/implications It draws attention to the different needs of authors from post-colonial contexts. Practical implications It could possibly help authors from post-colonial contexts and reviewers better navigate academic publishing and research. Social implications It could help in authors from post-colonial contexts attempt more publishing. Originality/value This paper draws attention to the different constraints and limitations faced by authors from post-colonial contexts in pursuing academic writing.