GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE AND PLURAL FORMS IN ORGANIC PRODUCTION

A BRAZILIAN CASE STUDY

Resumo

This study aims to understand the governance structure adopted by organic companies and their determining factors, considering Williamson’s Transaction Cost Economics dimensions and Ménard’s attributes. A case study was conducted at an organic company in Central-West Brazil. It has vast experience and enjoys national prominence in the organic segment. Data collection consisted of interviews and answers to a semi-structured questionnaire by the company manager. The results show that organizations can adopt different structures to obtain efficiency and competitiveness in a dynamic environment such as agribusiness, particularly in the organic segment. Williamson’s Transaction Cost Economics dimensions and Ménard’s attributes seem to explain both the predominant structure and the adoption of plural forms in this case study. Therefore, the joint use of dimensions and attributes can be useful for analyzing plural forms and understanding the predominant structures in organic companies. In fact, such a Brazilian company may serve as a benchmark for other organizations looking to establish themselves or grow in a highly uncertain and investment-demanding segment.