Sharing the ownership in Peru and Mexico: the case of a French MNE prompting the SDGs achievement

Purpose: This study aims to investigate how a French multinational enterprise (MNE) is developing employee stock ownership (ESO) in its subsidiaries in Peru and Mexico, both Latin American countries with deep social and economic inequalities. Design/methodology/approach: This is a qualitative case study which conducted interviews with representatives of the French MNE and its subsidiaries in Peru and Mexico. Findings: The employee stock purchase plans offered by the company to its employees support the achievement of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) 1, 8 and 10 in these countries. Social implications: The authors argue that MNEs could become flagships in the SDG achievement in emerging economies. Originality/value: By contributing to better workplace outcomes and enhanced corporate performance, ESO is in line with SDG 8. ESO also fulfills SDGs 1 and 10 by allowing employees to build up savings and wealth, whose lack is the main source of inequality and poverty. Reciprocity and binary economics theories explain these relationships.