The Family Business as a Driver of the Social Economy: The Case of a Tourist Cooperative in Sinaloa, Mexico

Abstract

The family business in the field of social economy represents the actions and commitments it has with its members and the community, according to the philosophy and principles of the cooperative as a business organization; it also helps to strengthen its social capital and promote family integration.The objective of the study was to analyze the family business as a boost to the social economy from the organizational figure of the cooperative, taking as a case study a tourist cooperative in northern Sinaloa, Mexico. This business has more than 30 years’ operating as a cooperative society and is in its third generation, is made up of 15 members, members of the same family who in turn hold the main positions at the general assembly. The research was conducted as a case studywith a qualitative methodology approach, collecting data through observation, review of documents and semi-structured interviews to key family members.The results indicate that the family and cooperative business, share decision-making and collective well-being, promoting the social economy by working together and distributing goods fairly; allowing the continuity of the company for the next generation.