Innovación y modernidad analizadas desde la teoría crítica: Un enfoque crítico para las organizaciones contemporáneas

Abstract

This article explores the dialectical relationship between innovation and modernity from a critical perspective, taking the contributions of the Frankfurt School as a starting point. It is argued that, despite their association with progress, these concepts can perpetuate and exacerbate the structures of power and control inherent in contemporary organizations. The objective is to analyze the impact of technological innovation and modernity on current organizations, using the Critical Theory approach to evaluate how these transformations affect power and control structures. The methodological approach of this research is qualitative and focuses on the critical analysis of the concepts of innovation and modernity from the perspective of Critical Theory.  Following Horkheimer and Adorno, it is argued that instrumental rationality, characteristic of modernity, turns technology into an instrument of domination, limiting its emancipatory potential and consolidating existing hierarchies. Foucault and Haraway expand this perspective, noting that modern technologies not only shape individual subjectivities but also reproduce social inequalities. Foucault introduces the concept of biopower to describe how institutions use technologies to control and regulate everyday life, thus reinforcing inequities. Haraway, for his part, emphasizes the political nature of technology, arguing that technological innovations, far from being neutral, can become tools of oppression if they are not democratized. From a Habermas perspective, he proposes rethinking technology to promote more equitable and just social change. He maintains that dialogue and consensus are essential for innovations to empower individuals and not reinforce existing hierarchies. In this sense, it is suggested to adopt a critical and inclusive perspective that promotes the active participation of all actors in innovation processes, thus democratizing access and implementation of new technologies.