Decolonising the Organisation: Reimagining the Modern Workplace

Decolonising the organisation requires examining existing policies, practices, and procedures to identify and make proactive efforts to encourage and incorporate pluralistic perspectives in ways of knowing and understanding that have been dominantly influenced by Eurocentric epistemologies. Therefore, this introductory chapter will examine how colonial logics continue to shape modern workplaces, from organisational hierarchies and knowledge flows to cultural norms and managerial practices. It will highlight how conventional models of organisational design, human resources, and leadership draw upon Eurocentric frameworks that marginalise non-Western epistemologies, perpetuate power imbalances, and undermine inclusive work environments. By situating the modern workplace within broader histories of colonialism and neo-colonial economic systems, the chapter will reveal the ways in which organisational structures reproduce inequities along lines of race, gender, indigeneity, and Global North/Global South divides. It will introduce a decolonial lens as a transformative approach to reimagining work, participation, and organisational purpose. Finally, the chapter will present a roadmap for the remainder of this volume, outlining emerging frontiers and new perspectives in decolonising organisations.