Prof. Kamdem : The reasons for writing this book are to multiply and strengthen quality publications on management research in Africa. It was realised that in this field, the African continent has deficits in research work. Another reason is that management work is not always carried out from the African field. There is a kind of disconnection with reality. This is why the subtitle of " embedded research " is the major element, I would even say the distinguishing mark of this work. The research starts from the African field with the aim of solving African problems and not taking concepts and theories from outside. Although we know their scientific usefulness and relevance, we wanted to start from what constitutes the fabric and specificity of the African continent. This book was therefore published under the direction of 3 researchers, and was written to contribute to the renewal of managerial research in African contexts, from a dual perspective. Firstly, to better root African research to make it much more "actionable" in order to contribute to the resolution of the problems experienced by African researchers, entrepreneurs and managers. Secondly, to strengthen the international visibility of African managerial research, which is often little known outside African contexts. Consequently, this book responds to the need for knowledge creation and dissemination, by academic researchers and business practitioners, on management in Africa.

 

 - What was the method you used to complete the work? 

Prof. Kamdem : We have called upon European researchers who know the African continent, have taught, lived and worked as consultants on projects in Africa, and who are interested in the African continent as a field of research. Of course, we also called upon African researchers and as far as possible we organised duos. You can see in the book that several chapters are written by several authors, one European and one African. Another distinctive feature of this book is that we have called on African managers or entrepreneurs to testify about their experiences, to show the contribution of practitioners to knowledge. At the moment, unfortunately, managerial knowledge in Africa is perceived as being mainly the domain of what we ordinarily call academic researchers. The book places great emphasis on overcoming methodological bipolarism (quantitative versus qualitative) and advocates the use of mixed methods. We have therefore solicited and obtained contributions which show the advantages and limits of these 3 methodological perspectives (quantitative, qualitative, mixed). This methodological pluralism is in line with the pragmatist epistemological paradigm which seems to us more appropriate for the epistemic exploration of African terrains. Another added value of the work is the mobilisation of collaboration between different researchers. Thus, some chapters have been written by 2 or more contributors (African and non-African; academics and professionals).  

Prof. Kamdem : Three main results are highlighted in this collective work. First, the identification of new conceptual, theoretical, epistemological and methodological avenues for the renewal of management research in Africa. This is the case, for example, of the "Ubuntu" concept (otherness), which is increasingly prevalent in African publications on management. Secondly, the need to enhance the involvement of African practitioners (entrepreneurs and managers) in the production of knowledge on entrepreneurship or management in African contexts. Finally, a better international visibility of African contributions to management research. With this book, African and non-African researchers and practitioners can now take advantage of new insights into emerging management models and practices in Africa.

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