What question did this study set out to answer?

The central aim is to critique the use of 'tribe' in management and organization studies as a misrepresentation of African ethnic groups, rooted in colonial history.

February 5, 2026Organization

Writing Africa into MOS: The dangerous perpetuation of “Tribe(s)” and other misrepresentations

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Authors

NNNceku NyathiMonash University SNStella M. NkomoUniversity of South Africa

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Implication

This critique unsettles the normative use of 'tribe' to describe ethnic groups in Africa, highlighting its colonial implications.

Key Points

The central aim is to critique the use of 'tribe' in management and organization studies as a misrepresentation of African ethnic groups, rooted in colonial history.
Analyzed the use of 'tribe' in MOS literature
Examined the historical context of the term's invention
Applied postcolonial theory to assess the implications of using 'tribe'
Identified 'tribe' as a default term in MOS for African ethnic groups
Revealed its colonial origins and associated stereotypes
Advocated for the use of 'ethnic groups' to foster accurate representation

Cite This Study

Nyathi et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/698435f0f1d9ada3c1fb549f https://doi.org/10.1177/13505084251409372

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Writing Africa into MOS: The dangerous perpetuation of “Tribe(s)” and other misrepresentations

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Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

Writing Africa into MOS: The dangerous perpetuation of “Tribe(s)” and other misrepresentations

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

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