Thinking Social Management from the Epistemologies of the South

Abstract

Research objective: To make theoretical approximations between the field of Social Management and Southern Epistemologies.   Theoretical framework: Social Management represents an alternative to hegemonic organizational thinking. Through public spheres, permeated by participatory and dialogic actions, the aim is to serve the common good of society. Southern Epistemologies represent an alternative to the epistemological paradigm of modern science, the colonial, patriarchal and capitalist side.   Results: Just as Social Management seeks emancipation as its purpose, Southern Epistemologies present emancipatory potential, by constituting political and epistemic guidance, which arises from knowledge about the fight against capitalism/colonialism/patriarchy.   Originality: There is a need to advance in the understanding of Social Management, based on its original epistemological and decolonial axiological sense, considering the emergence of debates about inequalities and diversities. Therefore, Southern Epistemologies become relevant to reflect the field, as it admits the knowledge produced in modernity and is based on a counter-hegemonic conception.   Theoretical contributions: From the perspective of Southern Epistemologies, Social Management, as a possibility of epistemological decoloniality, becomes more appropriate to the Latin American context and closer to a dialogical management that seeks to free individuals and promote equality through promotion of the common good. Thus, space is opened for the appreciation and validation of knowledge built in Latin America.