A1 Journal article (refereed)
‘World-class’ fantasies : A neocolonial analysis of international branch campuses (2019)

Siltaoja, M., Juusola, K., & Kivijärvi, M. (2019). ‘World-class’ fantasies : A neocolonial analysis of international branch campuses. Organization, 26(1), 75-97. https://doi.org/10.1177/1350508418775836

JYU authors or editors

Siltaoja, Marjo
Kivijärvi, Marke

Publication details

All authors or editors: Siltaoja, Marjo; Juusola, Katariina; Kivijärvi, Marke

Journal or series: Organization

ISSN: 1350-5084

eISSN: 1461-7323

Publication year: 2019

Volume: 26

Issue number: 1

Pages range: 75-97

Publisher: Sage Publications Ltd.

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1350508418775836

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/62476

Abstract

In this article, we build on postcolonial studies and discourse analytical research exploring how the ‘world-class’ discourse as an ideology and a fantasy structures neocolonial relations in international branch campuses. We empirically examine how international branch campuses reproduce the fantasy of being so-called world-class operators and how the onsite faculty members identify with or resist this world-class fantasy through mimicry. Our research material originates from fieldwork conducted in business-school international branch campuses operating in the United Arab Emirates. Our findings show the ambivalent nature of mimicry towards the world-class fantasy to include both compliance and resistance. Our contributions are addressed to postcolonial management studies by discussing the ambivalent nature of mimicry in international branch campuses and the significance of grandiose constructions in organizations for neocolonial relations.

Keywords: discourse; fantasy (styles); postcolonialism; universities; campus areas; internationality; mimicry; neocolonialism