Organizational Learning Strategies and Managerial Culture in Software Firm Networks in Mexico

This paper analyses changes in organizational learning patterns in software enterprises in Western Mexico. It is part of an ongoing research program that deals with organizational learning and entrepreneurial culture development, as firms begin to create networks in order to compete internationally. The research reported here was based in case studies and a survey. Case studies are aimed at understanding in detail entrepreneurial culture traits that guided the search for collaborative work, as well as the learning processes that ensues. The survey was used to assess the degree in which specific behaviors and practices were generalized among software firms, and the number and nature of the links developing amongst them. Results point toward a substantial departure from baseline entrepreneurial culture values towards social capital building processes and toward joint learning processes. The change seems to be driven mainly by the firms´ orientation towards international markets, and the need to devise and implement competitive strategies accordingly. Implications for the understanding of social capital building and joint learning processes as they occur, and for comparison with what the literature reports in a posteriori studies in advanced economies are discussed.