Microfinance and the balance between social and financial performance : The role of norms in governing a globalized industry
type: Distribution
access URL: https://theses.hal.science/tel-00866895
format: HTML
issued: 2026-05-09T14:08:10.600016
modified: 2026-05-09T14:08:10.584834

test_moissonnage_selune
type: Agent

Microfinance and the balance between social and financial performance : The role of norms in governing a globalized industry
type: Dataset
contact point: Organization
  fn: CCSD
keyword: normes
keyword: norms
keyword: infoeu-reposemanticsdoctoralthesis
keyword: performances-financieres
keyword: economie-politique-internationale
keyword: shsscipohumanities-and-social-sciencespolitical-science
keyword: microfinance
keyword: social-responsibility
keyword: international-political-economy
keyword: evaluation
keyword: financial-performance
keyword: responsabilite-sociale
keyword: shsecohumanities-and-social-scienceseconomics-and-finance
keyword: theses
landing page: https://theses.hal.science/tel-00866895
description: Microfinance was designed as a development tool, but remains firmly anchored in the market economy. Its hybrid nature makes it unique among aid's instruments: microfinance benefits from subsidies, fiscal and regulatory support, while maintaining relative independence from governments and donors. To analyze its singular governance, we examine the interactions between its actors: both public and private as well commercial and non profit. This interplay is particularly oriented towards the definition of standards, codes, good practices, charters, labels, audit procedures, performance assessments, and other criteria aimed at regulating microfinance operations. Our purpose is to demonstrate that, beyond their technical specifications, norms that prescribe or evaluate MFIs' actions conceal different perceptions of what microfinance is, and what it should be. By studying the conventions used to supervise the financial, and subsequently, the social dimensions of this globalized field, this thesis deciphers the structures of authority that govern it.
issued: 2026-05-09T14:08:10.598185
language: fr
modified: 2026-05-09T14:08:10.598190