Building a commercialization capability for microcredit institutions

Abstract

Contextualized-driven theories for organizations in developing countries are growing. In this paper, we build on some specialized microcredit institutions configuration to create value. They compete at the Bottom of the Pyramid (BOP) in emerging markets, and try to generate social and economic value through the creation of commercial capabilities in order to improve the relationship with the client, thus generating value. Our empirical domain refers to a sample of Colombian specialized microcredit institutions. Theory relies on the resource based-view of firms, applied to the mentioned context. The unit of analysis is commercialization capability in its organizational environment: organizing for commercialization capability. Main findings relate to organizational categories that configure a system to create social and economic value to micro-entrepreneurs: microcredit social strategy, management capability in microcredit, active corporate governance, relational culture, and motivated human talent.