Associated factors with costs behavior in periods of prosperity and economic crisis in companies of the countries that make up PIIGS

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate factors associated with the behavior of costs in periods of prosperity and economic crisis in 473 companies in PIIGS countries. A descriptive research was conducted with documentary analysis and a quantitative approach between 1998 and 2015. The results show that organizations operate with lower profit margins in crisis times, suggesting that they adjust their cost structures to resist of these. In addition, the sales/general/administrative costs (expenses) show less asymmetry in the recession while free cash flow and fixed asset intensity increase the asymmetry. This research provides new insights for managers to identify possible avenues for decision making assertiveness, to maintain the organizations persistence in the market.