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by Diane Grimes ABSTRACT To challenge and change the endeavor of organization studies, its assumptions must be studied and critiqued. I argue that organization studies must shift priorities. Supporting exploitation, continually increasing efficiency, the domination of research subjects and upholding the status quo are not appropriate activities. Examining the mainstream organization literature from the perspective of Ainterrogating whiteness@ exposes problems such as reliance on variable-analytic research, a very small number of studies addressing race and their superficial nature, including a simple view of race, weak theory construction, narrow research designs, topics, and questions, obvious results and false assumptions. Race is discussed in problematic ways: categorical differences are assumed between groups, many researchers do not understand people of color or their own assumptions, people become statistics and experience is unimportant. The more progressive research includes researchers of color and the experiences of people of color but the work does not challenge the status quo. The literature ignores the constructed nature of its truths and realities as well their political character and consequences. Organization scholars are urged to be self-reflexive, to see themselves
as decentered and relational subjects, to see others as complex and situated,
and to understand their perspective is one of many so they can learn from
others' experiences.
Contact Information: Diane Grimes, Ph.D.
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