Structural distinctions, dysfunctions, and institutional pressures in central dairy cooperatives – analyses from the managers’ perspective

Abstract

Central cooperatives appear as an option for single cooperatives to increase their bargaining power in the context of the Brazilian dairy marketplace. However, there are still few studies analyzing possible structural distinctions of these central enterprises. This study aimed to analyze such peculiarities in two central dairy cooperatives. The main focus was on identifying, from semi-structured interviews with high-echelon representatives in these organizations, how the business is structured, taking in account, beyond the distinctions found, dysfunctions and the main institutional demands of this market. The results indicate significant structural variability, but also some resemblances, such as asymmetric information processes and conflicts of interest caused mainly by external institutional demands.