Implementing Innovative Financial Models in Different Cultures: A Comparative Analysis of China and Mexico

49 Pages Posted: 27 Jan 2015

See all articles by Mauricio Cervantes

Mauricio Cervantes

Instituto Tecnolo´gico y de Estudios Superiors de Monterrey

Lemus Daniel

Instituto Tecnologico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM) - Campus Guadalajara

Raúl Montalvo

ITESM

Date Written: January 26, 2015

Abstract

Purpose - The paper presents evidence about cultural differences between Mexico and China and analyze their significance when implementing an innovative financial model. Specifically, we analyzed the case of the Yunus model (or Grameen model), originally developed in Bangladesh and further implemented in China and Mexico.

Design/Methodology/Approach - This paper uses a comparative quantity study to test the cultural difference which affects the innovative financial model implementation. A materialism and credit overuse value scale (Ponchio and Aranha, 2008; Richins, 2011; Roberts and Jones, 2001) is applied to analyze cultural differences with a sample of 250 people in each country.

Findings - Results show that the survey responses are statistically significantly different in these two countries. The Mexican sample shows a greater affinity with luxury and bragging. The Chinese sample shows more responsibility towards credit. Recommendations for the implementation of the innovative financial model considering cultural differences are suggested.

Practical Implications - Based on the survey results, gender equality, greater caution with young borrowers, financial education programs and strict liability agreements to ensure credit repayment, especially for Mexico, are suggested, with the aim of enabling Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs) to increase the successful implementation of the Yunus model in China and Mexico.

Originality/value - There are few existing cultural comparisons between China and Mexico. Therefore, one of the relevant contributions of this work is to shed light on the cultural differences of these two important emerging economies for future research. Additionally, we applied a materialism and credit overuse value scale developed to assess consumer behavior as a proxy for culture. The results are relevant for further usage of this scale as a tool to help adapt innovative financial models for application in other cultures.

Keywords: Microfinance, Innovation, Culture

JEL Classification: I38

Suggested Citation

Cervantes-Zepeda, Mauricio and Daniel, Lemus and Montalvo, Raúl, Implementing Innovative Financial Models in Different Cultures: A Comparative Analysis of China and Mexico (January 26, 2015). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2555642 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2555642

Mauricio Cervantes-Zepeda (Contact Author)

Instituto Tecnolo´gico y de Estudios Superiors de Monterrey ( email )

Ramon Corona 2514
Zapopan, Jal. 45201
Mexico
+52 3336693000 (Phone)

Lemus Daniel

Instituto Tecnologico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM) - Campus Guadalajara ( email )

Av. General Ramón Corona # 2514
Zapopan, Jalisco, 45201
Mexico

Raúl Montalvo

ITESM ( email )

Av. General Ramón Corona # 2514
Zapopan, Jalisco, 45201
Mexico

Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share?

Paper statistics

Downloads
111
Abstract Views
916
Rank
418,224
PlumX Metrics