Globalization of small islands: the case of Curaçao

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a case study of Curaçao as a small island coping with globalization and to contribute to the development of a framework to discuss globalization and corporate governance. Design/methodology/approach – The paper starts to integrate three scenarios: globalization, the paradigmatic approach of corporate governance, and the categorization of organizations. This framework is then applied to the case of Curaçao. Findings – Globalization of Curaçao involves the introduction of the Anglo-American model of governance into several actors. This is a major change that the society finds difficult adapting to. A significant part of the population is at risk of being excluded. Originality/value – The paper contributes to a multi-paradigm approach to corporate governance, and in analyzing the globalization of small islands.