FRANCHISE CHAINS AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT: AN INSTITUTIONAL ANALYSIS OF BRAZILIAN CENTRAL-WEST

Resumo (EN)

Objective: This article is a part of studies designed to investigate variables in the institutional environment that
are significant for the expansion strategy of franchise chains, with a focus on inland regions. The objective is to
identify variables that impact the attractiveness of the institutional environment for the insertion of franchise
chains. Method: Quantitative exploratory research was carried out, using secondary data from IBGE, with 14
variables, in a sample of 220 cities in the Brazilian center-west. Main Results: Statistical analysis indicated that
the dimensions of education, economy and regional development have a positive and significant impact on attracting
franchise chains. Relevance / Originality: To this end, five dimensions of the institutional environment
were analyzed: education, regional development, health, business and economy. Theoretical / Methodological
Contributions: The results contribute to the theory as it assists in strategic decision-making regarding the expansion
of franchise chains and suggests new and relevant research segments with emphasis on the exploration of
factors in the institutional environment. The article also contributes to neo-institutional theories, as it offers a
relevant and well-founded explanation of the impact of institutional factors in attracting business models such as
franchise chains to inland regions.