GLOBAL FINANCIAL CRISIS EFFECTS ON SME DEVELOPMENT

International economic environment is characterized, at present, by important changes in the structure, function and evolution of companies regardless of business, organization type or size. The biggest fluctuations are felt by the multinational companies which, within a very short time, manage to convey the effects, especially negative ones, in each economic system. This also affects the sector of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), through the limitation on development, difficulties occurred in the financing or even loss of market segments. The evolution of competitiveness in organizations and civil organizations as a whole depends on the ability to respond flexibly and proactively to the frequent and constant environmental changes. Free movement of people worldwide influence their degree of importance of economic activity, human capital and practical knowledge available to this capital and it became the most relevant to other categories of resources. This trend is strongly felt in SMEs, the main generators of employment, but employers not only have to provide appropriate financial rewards, but also working conditions and opportunities for professional development.