Administrative practices and competitiveness of colombian Msmes: a bibliometric review based on administrative and management theories
https://orcid.org/0009-0003-6921-5691
The objective of this paper was to analyze the relationship between the administrative practices of Colombian MSMEs and the creation of competitive structures, based on a bibliometric and systematic literature review. The methodology followed PRISMA guidelines and combined searches in Scopus and Web of Science, bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer, and a qualitative synthesis of 24 studies published between 2016 and 2025. The results show that the competitiveness of MSMEs does not depend on a single isolated administrative practice, but rather on the interplay of various factors such as innovation, human resource management, strategic planning, digital transformation, and knowledge management, which were consolidated into five reinforcing loops and one balancing loop regulated by competitive market pressure. From the perspective of management theories, significant contributions are evident: the contingency approach helps us understand the need to adapt structures and processes to internal and external conditions; systems theory explains the ongoing interaction between organizational subsystems and the environment; and the humanistic approach highlights the centrality of leadership, communication, training, and motivation. It is concluded that administrative theories offer an integrative framework for interpreting how Colombian MSMEs can strengthen dynamic capabilities, absorb external knowledge, and consolidate sustainable competitive structures.
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