The success of franchising as an innovative method of distributing products and services can be attributed to its multiple benefits. This distribution system facilitates economic growth by promoting entrepreneurship in small companies, generating investment opportunities, developing business and managerial skills, reducing the risk of failure in new businesses, promoting the distribution of wealth, and generating high levels of motivation, commitment, and involvement for both franchisors and franchisees.   The franchising system was created and is widely used in developed countries. Yet developing countries, such as most Latin American countries, are distinguished by unique characteristics such as high levels of business informality, widespread temporary employment, few densely populated urban areas, large families, cultural diversity, and political and economic instability. Thus, to properly and efficiently integrate franchising as a distribution system within the context of Latin America, we need to develop unique answers to local challenges. This need for specific knowledge requires the development of academic research with a Latin American focus.   The Latin American Franchising Research Council (CLIF, for its Spanish name, Consejo Latinoamericano de Investigacion en Franquicias) exists to advance the adoption of franchising as a method of distribution throughout Latin America. By encouraging research and disseminating knowledge through publications and conferences, the CLIF seeks to promote the adoption and growth of franchising within the region, thereby assisting development and contributing to the enhancement of the social environment in Latin America. The CLIF brings together franchisors and academics creating a unique environment in which to promote intellectual leadership in franchising. Connecting those with need of applied knowledge and those with research abilities, the CLIF is in a privileged position to identify the issues that require specific and thorough regional research. CLIF’s commitment is to research the franchising issues that need regional answers and to disseminate the findings in various publications and conferences.

CLIF Operation

CLIF member benefits

Membership benefits include the opportunity to exchange ideas with other leading franchisors and academics and contribute to shaping the franchising system in Latin America.

Additional benefits include a special invitation to the annual franchising event in which the findings from the annual research are presented to the general public, and the possibility of requesting a private presentation of research conclusions for the company employees.

characteristics

 CLIF members are leading franchisors of Latin America. The invitation to be part of this council is for a four-year period with the possibility of being invited again after the term is over. The CLIF favors the diversity in terms of industry, country of origin, and affiliation of its members. One of the franchisor members is chosen by the rest as director and official spokesman. This is a voluntary role that rotates every two years.

The other members of CLIF are faculty from IAE and from other universities interested in researching franchising. Research coordination is the responsibility of an IAE professor who assumes the research director role. This director is responsible for choosing the appropriate research methodology, defining the research schedule, and disseminating the findings within the business and academic communities.

Finally, a group of researchers or a market research firm will be invited to collect and analysis data and development of conclusion.

CLIF has the support of the Asociación Argentina de Franchising 

Andres Terech Ph.D.
Professor