The Evolution of Maquiladora Best Practices: 1965–2008
Journal of Business Ethics · 2009 · Volume 88 · Issue 2
DOI: 10.1007/s10551-009-0285-8
Abstract
This article analyzes the evolution of best practices in the maquiladora industry in Mexico. Since the mid-1960s, the maquiladora has been understood as a simple assembly activity based on cheap labor, with low added value, and limited linkage with local suppliers. However, the maquiladora industry has evolved since the early 1980s as a consequence of the adoption of best practices in the productive processes and industrial organization. The best practices examined in this article are increases or improvements in complex activities, capabilities, just-in-time, continuous improvement, environmental performance, and job safety. The data come from three surveys administered in major U.S./Mexico border cities in 1990, 2002, and 2006. Based on an analysis of these surveys, there has been a broad diffusion of the best organizational practices since the 1960s.
Keywords
maquiladora industry, mexico, best practices, continuous improvement
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