Transformación digital y eficiencia administrativa en pequeñas empresas latinoamericanas

Abstract

Objective: The relationship between digital transformation and administrative efficiency in Latin American small enterprises was investigated, aiming to determine how the adoption of digital technologies, automation, and organizational capabilities influence the productivity and competitiveness of these organizations, which face resource and capacity constraints compared to large enterprises. Methodology: A quantitative correlational approach with a non-experimental design was employed, based on secondary analysis of data from empirical studies and institutional reports published between 2019 and 2023 that evaluated the impact of digitalization on the administrative efficiency of Latin American SMEs. Results: Findings show that digital transformation is linked to significant improvements in operational efficiency (87% of companies using digital tools experienced efficiency in their accounting processes), resource optimization, and decision-making; however, significant barriers such as implementation costs, lack of digital skills, and the existence of legacy systems persist, limiting the scope of digitalization in the region's business fabric. Conclusions: Digital transformation constitutes a determining factor for the administrative efficiency of Latin American small enterprises, but its impact is conditioned by internal factors (organizational capabilities, leadership) and external factors (public policies, access to financing); comprehensive policies combining technological infrastructure, capacity building, and financing mechanisms are required to close existing digitalization gaps.