Análisis socioeconómico sobre la cultura en los microempresarios del sector calzado y textil de la ciudad de Cúcuta: Estrategias para la toma de decisiones en el proceso de apalancamiento financiero

Abstract

The master's thesis titled “Socioeconomic Analysis of Financial Culture among Microentrepreneurs in the Footwear and Textile Sectors in the City of Cúcuta” aims to analyze the influence of financial culture on formal financial leverage decision-making among microentrepreneurs in Cúcuta’s footwear and textile industries — a vital sector representing approximately 18% of the local workforce. The research is justified by the persistent limitations faced by these microentrepreneurs in accessing adequate and formal financing, with low levels of financial literacy identified as the most significant weakness. This deficiency often leads to uninformed financial decisions and dependence on informal lenders such as “gota a gota” (loan sharks). The methodology adopted follows a mixed approach, integrating quantitative and qualitative components to achieve a broader and more contextualized understanding of the phenomenon. Structured surveys were applied to a sample of 244 microentrepreneurs, complemented by semi-structured interviews that contrasted statistical findings with real perceptions and experiences within the sector. This non-experimental, cross-sectional, and correlational design ensured methodological rigor and the validity of the results. Preliminary diagnoses and quantitative findings revealed critical gaps in financial knowledge and behavior: 81.1% of respondents were unsure about the cost differences between formal and informal credit; only 27.5% correctly identified financial risk; and most lacked systematic planning — just 40.2% consistently kept formal income and expense records, and only 25.8% conducted detailed planning before taking a loan. Therefore, this study goes beyond diagnosis to propose adapted and practical financial education strategies, aimed at transforming cultural perceptions, strengthening administrative management (such as financial planning and accounting practices), and enhancing access to formal credit and business sustainability — a factor proven to increase business survival rates by up to 40%.