DETERMINANTS OF COMPETITIVENESS IN SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SMES) FROM THE TEXTILE SECTOR IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF MARACAIBO

The rapid changes occurring in the last decade in the world trade demand the enterprises, especially from the Small and Medium ones (SMEs), to act according the opportunities and threats of their environment, nevertheless many of them have been seriously affected regarding their competitive success. This study analyzes the determinants of SMEs competitiveness in the textile sector in the municipality of Maracaibo, State of Zulia, as well as the principal public supportpolicies designed in Venezuela. The research corresponded to a field one carried out by descriptive means using a semi-structured questionnaire given to owners, presidents, managers and directors of sixteen companies. The results show that most of the SMEs studied are characterized by technological backwardness, finance problems, poor market linkages, reduced market share, conservative management styles, not well trained staff who does not have the willingness to carry out innovation processes and business cooperation, on the contrary, those enterprises which have achieved successful development have relied on factors such as product quality, competitive pricing, appropriate human resource management, incorporated advanced technology, improved delivery time, responsiveness, and adequate information systems as well as strengthened trade ties. It is then concluded that to enhance the development of the sector, and all the stressed factors, it is required the effective participation of the Venezuelan State in implementing public policies.