The possibilities of cosmopolitanism and postcolonialism for an ethical stance on International HRM
Type
conference paper
Date Issued
2012-08-06
Author(s)
Abstract
Starting from postcolonial critiques that IHRM takes a very cliché-oriented approach towards the other, we explore how a cosmopolitan framework may help IHRM to inscribe an ethical stance in its research agenda. Exploring the plurality of cosmopolitan perspectives, we distinguish two main forms which each implies a different understanding of ethical responsibility. The normative or ideal of cosmopolitanism refers to world citizenship as the essential harmony of human kind, suggesting a normative stance of universal virtues, whereas the analytical-empirical approach focuses on the actual performance of cosmopolitanism in daily lives, suggesting an ongoing enactment of ethical practice. To broaden the horizon of IHRM in a critical way, we propose to take an ethical position in which cosmopolitan principles are connected with the everyday moral life of international management. We conclude by reflecting on how to theorize and write about cosmopolitan processes in international business and organization.
Language
English
HSG Classification
contribution to scientific community
Refereed
No
Event Title
72nd Academy of Management Annual Meeting (AOM) 2012 "The Informal Economy"
Event Location
Boston, USA
Event Date
03.-07.08.2012
Subject(s)
Division(s)
Eprints ID
220873