Decolonizing management education: a bibliometric analysis of Ubuntu

Purpose The increasing calls to integrate Indigenous perspectives and address the colonial foundations of business schools necessitate a profound shift in educational systems. Such a change mandates a transformation that acknowledges diverse knowledge systems and methodologies, moving beyond the dominant Western paradigms. Design/methodology/approach Our paper introduces the Africentric philosophy of Ubuntu and explores its potential to decolonize management education and support the development of inclusive classrooms. Ubuntu, encapsulated by the notion “I am because you are”, asserts the intrinsic interconnectedness of humanity. Our exploration of Ubuntu includes a bibliometric analysis to map the intellectual structure of Ubuntu within management and educational contexts. Findings We posit that Ubuntu has the potential to offer newer perspectives on personnel and organizational management that are human-centric and emphasize the common good. The results of the bibliometric analysis reveal key publications, influential scholars, institutions and leading journals actively engaged in Ubuntu-centric research along with key research trends. Originality/value This research offers a holistic view of Ubuntu research in the fields of management and education using a bibliometric method.