Determinants of firm competitiveness in Latin American emerging economies

Abstract

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to theoretically model and empirically analyze determinants of competitiveness of Brazilian manufacturing firms. Going beyond traditional manufacturing management literature, it integrates firm‐, inter‐firm, and institutional level theoretical arguments to explain manufacturing competitiveness in emerging economy environments.Design/methodology/approach – The model investigates the influence of firm‐, inter‐firm, and institutional level factors on the competitiveness of individual companies. The authors surveyed 182 firms, and interviewed a representative sub sample of 15 general managers. The survey and interview questions covered practices at the three theoretical levels, as well as firm performance. In a subsequent step, the authors used this data to statistically model the theory framework through a structural equation system.Findings – The paper finds that institutional level support, in the form of stronger participation in institutional organizations, enhances the...