Condicionantes negativos em redes de cooperação: um estudo de caso numa cooperativa agropecuária

Abstract

This study aims at identifying the possible negative factors which contribute to the weakening of cooperative relations, having an investigative objective in the case study of an agricultural cooperative in Minas Gerais, where actions of individual producers have generated a weakening in cooperative relations, decreasing the competitiveness of the network. This is a qualitative descriptive study, with data collection conducted through questionnaires (cooperative) and in-depth interviews (leaders). The main results of the research have shown the following conditions: (1) dissatisfaction when it comes to product pricing, (2) limitation of services to cooperative members, (3) Lack of awareness and mobilization of the cooperative towards social aspects and not only economical ones, which the cooperative assumes as market and regional development regulator. These conditions have contributed to the weakening of social relationships which guided the principles of cooperation, identifying dualities of individual / collective and also economical / social interests, articulated through the perspectives of members and leaders. Finally, we expect this study to stimulate reflection on the need for people / companies to cooperate in order to compete, so that cooperatives became an important tool for generating competitive advantage and regional development.