Associativity as a strategy to improve management: An analysis of the retail industry

Abstract

This article aims to contribute to the economic growth of the neighborhood store as a business unit, based on associative strategies. It seeks to answer the question: to what extent does associativity develop mechanisms of joint action and cooperation among shopkeepers in Bogotá to enhance their competitiveness, durability, and economic growth? The paper examines problems related to the retail activity of shopkeepers located in the localities of Chapinero and Engativá, Bogotá. A qualitative approach was used, based on three basic levels: diagnosis, exploration of the commercial activity, and elaboration of a proposal (projective stage). It was found that informality used by these retail owners to manage the planning of their resources, their working capital, the way of hiring their employees, and strategies to promote their products and services, does not allow them to innovate and be more competitive.