Work Organisation and Economic Management in Sub-Saharan Africa: From a Eurocentric Orientation toward an Afrocentric Perspective

Abstract

The paper examines the reasons for the neglect of indigenous economic motives and work organisations in sub-Saharan Africa. A historical account of the evolu tion of economic motives and modes of production is presented. It is argued that capitalistic forms of production which were prevalent were directly related to colonialprocesses. The concept of development has been critically examined in the context of sub-Saharan Africa and factors responsible for the failure of develop ment have been identified. A wide range offactors are discussed ranging from a gross neglect of indigenous economic motives and wisdom to an almost obsessive reliance on foreign models. This has led to a Eurocentric redefinition of the con cept of development. The need for considering indigenous economic motives and development is discussed.

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