Reducing SMEs informal economy through institutionalization: the MNC-academia-SMEs business model

Alfonso López Lira Arjona; Elisa Cobas Flores; Cecilia Calderón Valencia

doi:10.29105/rinn11.21-5

Autores/as

Alfonso López Lira Arjona UANL
Elisa Cobas Flores ITESM
Cecilia Calderón Valencia ITESM

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29105/rinn11.21-5

Resumen

Keywords: informal economy, institutionalization, SMEs

Abstract. The informal sector has been growing throughout the last century in emerging economies. Particularly in Latin America, both a long-term instability in economic and political environments, and a continuous migration from rural to urban areas; have triggered the appearance of unregulated businesses and employments. Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) operate informally in one or more business processes, in order to reduce costs and maximize profits. Leaving aside tax evasion and illegal labor, such SMEs often have low technology and an unskilled work force; which threatens its survival in highly competitive environments. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the impact of the Multi National Corporation (MNC) and the Academia in the formalization of SMEs. This is aimed through a collaborative model for the institutionalization of operational and managerial knowledge within SMEs. Qualitative results indicate that improvements are triggered by a self-conscious awareness of the value derived from institutionalizing best business practices.

Palabras clave: economía informal, institucionalización, PyMEs

Resumen. En economías emergentes, el sector informal ha crecido continuamente durante el último siglo. Particularmente en América Latina, entornos de inestabilidad políticaeconómica, así como una migración continua de las áreas rurales a las urbanas; han propiciado la aparición de negocios y empleos no regulados. Las Pequeñas y Medianas Empresas (PyMEs) operan informalmente en uno o más procesos de negocio, con el fin de reducir costos y maximizar utilidades. Más allá de evadir impuestos y leyes laborales, dichas empresas cuentan con baja tecnología y mano de obra poco calificada, lo cuál amenaza su supervivencia en entornos altamente competitivos. El propósito del presente artículo de investigación es el resaltar el rol que la Empresa Multinacional y la Academia juegan en la formalización de las PyMEs. Esto es realizado mediante un modelo colaborativo para institucionalizar el conocimiento administrativo y operativo de la PyME. Resultados cualitativos indican que las mejoras están sujetas a la transformación en la visión de negocios derivada de la institucionalización de mejores prácticas.

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