Abstract
Purpose - This study quantitatively examines the level of financial inclusion of a microfinance institution in each region and how this is changing recently, and examines the level of financial inclusion by region and various financial characteristic factors related to it. It was empirically verified what kind of significant impact actually has on the institution's major management performance indicators (stability, profitability, efficiency, and public interest). Design/methodology/approach - It was confirmed that the institution's financial inclusion index declined rapidly after 2015 as a whole, although there were some differences by region depending on regional characteristics. However, considering the fact that the number of branches per 100,000 adult population is steadily increasing nationwide, it was found that, contrary to what is known, the simple decrease in the number of branches of the institution was not the main cause. Findings - The analysis results of this study show that the institution's efforts for financial inclusion have a positive impact on profitability, stability, efficiency, and public interest, and that the institution pursues profitability, efficiency, stability, and public interest. showed that some trade-offs exist. In other words, overall, it was analyzed that profitability of the institution has a positive effect on efficiency, and efficiency has a positive effect on stability and public interest. Research implications or Originality - Since the institution's efforts to improve its profitability do not have a negative impact on its stability and public interest, it is judged that it is important to take a strategic stance, so excessive loan supply that exceeds the scope of the institution's own control needs to be avoided as much as possible. More detailed financial supply strategies and business management capabilities that enhance the asset soundness and management efficiency of safes need to be demonstrated.