Determination of Key Elements of Success for Smes Based on the Body Metaphor

Abstract

This paper discusses the metaphor of the human body applied to SMEs (small and medium enterprises) organizational features. We aim to identify essential elements that SMEs must consider in order to survive in the market. The methodology used describes the steps needed to create a metaphor, which includes identifying and contrasting anatomical and physiological aspects of the body against structural and functional characteristics of the organization. The primary objective is to determine how the two systems of study relate to each other using a systemic approach. The results of this analysis illustrate the associations between the respiratory system-commercial area, circulatory system-financial area and integumentary system-corporate image.