Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a systematic literature review on the subject of multilatinas during 2007-2017, through a review of 55 papers published in 35 journals. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative technique for conducting a systematic literature review was used. To systematize and make the literature review more accurate, it was divided in four stages: data collection, coding, analysis and interpretation of data. Several tables and figures were developed to provide a better interpretation of the literature. Findings The phenomenon of multilatinas is still a regional topic. Nine specific gaps in the literature were identified: the role of the state; impact of “home-country reputation”; the role of the host country in the expansion of multilatinas; multilatina selection of markets with geographical closeness and cultural affinity; multilatinas from small economies (mainly Central American countries); studies of multilatinas operating in the service sector; the role of family ownership; studies analysing the multinationality–performance relationship; and the study of collaboration networks between researchers. Research limitations/implications The access of academic databases, where more published studies may have been available, and the level of precision in the search for papers that meet the necessary characteristics were included in the review. Practical implications This paper contributes to not only the body of knowledge about multilatinas but also, in a wide scope, to the knowledge of multinationals from emerging countries. Furthermore also this paper provide some research directions for academics interested in multinationals. Originality/value The general contribution of this paper is in its addressing the topic of multinationals from emerging economies such as Latin America, a less-studied emerging region. Moreover, this work specifically contributes to understanding multilatinas and identifies research gaps and characteristics of the scientific papers on this phenomenon, potentially increasing knowledge about multinationals from emerging countries, and specifically Latin America.

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Este trabajo busca identificar la presencia de la expansión internacional (EI) en los planteamientos estratégicos de las principales compa˜nías latinas del ranking «Las 500 mayores empresas de América Latina». Para realizar lo anterior se utilizó una técnica cualitativa de análisis de contenido de la misión y visión de sus páginas web. En el estudio se identificaron 232 empresas latinas (200 privadas y 32 estatales) que hacían explícitos dichos planteamientos, a partir de lo cual se encontró que más de la mitad de estas empresas (51,7%) no aluden a la EI; el 25,4% lo hace solo en la visión, y apenas un 13,4% en la misión y visión. Por otra parte, al diferenciar por tipo de propiedad se tiene que el 46% de las empresas privadas y el 62,5% de las estatales consideran la EI en su misión y/o visión.

Latin American countries are rich in natural resources. In this regard, the extractive industry in the region is globally important. Consequently, the aim of this paper is to analyze the presence of the dimensions of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the strategies of the main extractive companies in Latin America, which include those listed in the ranking from "The greatest 500 companies of Latin America" from America Economía Magazine. In order to reach this assessment, a qualitative technique utilizing content analysis was carried out using the corporate web pages as a source of data. In addition, a matrix using 13 dimensions of CSR was developed to guide the research. 76 firms were identified from the extractive industry in Latin America, operating only in the mining and oil sectors. The main findings suggest that the majority of firms consider at least two dimensions of CSR, and that those such as the sustainable development and environment were those mentioned most. By country, Colombia shows the highest percentage of presence for these dimensions (86.2%). In addition, EXXONMOBIL and Carbones el Cerrejon (that operate in Colombia) include 100% of the dimensions. Future research will be important in order to analyze the extent to which the dimensions are fulfilled in practice, and to carry out comparative studies with other regions and industries.

Objetivo: el objetivo del trabajo es analizar la situación actual de las empresas del sector portuario de Veracruz en México en relación con los ODS. Metodología: para alcanzar este objetivo se desarrolló y aplico una encuesta en línea en empresas del sector portuario en la ciudad de Veracruz. Resultados: los resultados generales indican que en su mayoría las empresas del sector portuario no conocen los ODS, sin embargo, realizan, sin saberlo, actividades que son propias de ellos. Limitaciones: la falta de respuesta de algunas empresas a las que se envió el cuestionario desarrollado. Conclusiones: las principales conclusiones son que la situación actual de los ODS en Veracruz es que en su mayoría las empresas del puerto de Veracruz desconocen los ODS, pero hay apertura para poder involucrarse en actividades relacionadas con ellos, así como que hay ODS más representativas que otras debido a la naturaleza de la actividad portuaria. También las acciones para poder desarrollar los ODS en las estrategias de las empresas deben ser integrales, es decir, no deben ser solo una moda o estrategia de mercadotecnia.