A humanistic manager? Integrating humanities into professional management education in Colombia: the case of Eafit University, 1994-2007

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to contribute to thecomprehension of management education in the Global South, focusing on how contextual specificities, exemplified in the Colombian case, have driven curricular reforms. These reforms harmonize traditional practical training with a substantial emphasis on humanities education. to Design/methodology/approach Using a historical approach, this study conducts a heuristic and hermeneutic analysis of historical primary documents from archives, secondary sources and interviews. Findings The curricular reforms in Eafit’s Business Administration program responded to the need to diverge from a model borrowed from the United States. This departure leads to organic transformations that empower the inclusion of humanities for holistic professional manager education. This holistic approach was aimed to equip graduates to address organizational challenges and unique local issues, transcending conventional boundaries of education. Research limitations/implications This research serves as an initial exploration of a Global South case, laying the groundwork for future analyses of analogous cases. Comparative studies may eventually provide a more comprehensive understanding of management education beyond the Global North. Originality/value This work pioneers a relatively unexplored area of literature by investigating the history, unique aspects of business administration curricula and the role of curricular reforms within specific contexts. It is particularly pertinent in understanding the distinctive characteristics of business schools in the Global South. These institutions initially took inspiration from well-established American counterparts and literature reflecting Northern Global settings. However, they introduced innovations tailored to their local demands. This study spotlights the distinctive character of management education in Latin America, emphasizing a robust humanistic component.