ABSTRACT

Organizations operating in the developing world have historically applied Western-based theories of management with little consideration of local norms, mores, values, and culture. Workplace outcomes have typically been evaluated through the same Western ontological prism. This chapter posits that acknowledging indigenous ontologies – and adjusting the management principles and practices to them – will result in the implementation of more broadly supported, and hence more sustainable, organizational change. The chapter specifically focuses on sub-Saharan Africa and change management that embraces the pervasive philosophy of Ubuntu. Several propositions are offered, identifying core principles of Ubuntu that support more humanistic organizational management.