Relationship between the educational level of managers and the governance model in the solidarity economy

Abstract

The solidarity economy is presented as a sustainable alternative in the face of global challenges and social exclusion, promoting cooperation, democratic participation, and the common good, with the aim of transforming traditional economic practices to prioritize holistic human development. In these spaces, organizational leaders play a fundamental role as guides of the processes carried out. However, in the popular and solidarity finance sector, a gap has been identified in the literature concerning the relationship between the educational level of leaders and the type of governance they exercise. This study aimed to determine the existence of an association between these two variables, employing the chi-square statistical test for this purpose. Official data from the Superintendency of the Popular and Solidarity Economy, including boards of directors, supervisory boards, and legal representatives, were used, and statistical and inferential analyses were conducted. The results showed a significant relationship between the educational level of executives and the type of governance they exercise in the sector analyzed. In conclusion, the academic background of leaders influences the structure and functioning of organizational governance, which is essential for designing policies and strategies aimed at strengthening this sector. This is especially relevant in contexts where education and training are recognized as essential tools for promoting empowerment, transparency, and sustainable development.