Competitive or cooperative productive cluster? Case of the furniture cluster of Carmo of Cajuru (MG)

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this article is to characterize the cooperation process in the furniture cluster of Carmo do Cajuru (MG).

Methodology: We divided the study into two stages. The first stage was quantitative and for this we applied a survey. The second stage was qualitative, with semi-structured interviews conducted. Thus, the use of two techniques of data collection was sought to deepen results, as well as to triangulate data.

Originality/Relevance: The analysis of relations of competitiveness and cooperation in clusters makes it possible to understand the dynamics of such agglomerates, especially in emerging countries such as Brazil.

Main Results: We found that, although the participant subjects have different perceptions about competition and cooperation, they agree that competition stands out in relation to cooperation. In addition, we obtained two groups of companies by multivariate analysis, in which the first one was composed of micro and small companies, while the second group was composed of larger companies. Finally, we found that the cluster is characterized as informal, and as such, it pass the responsibilities of its interactions to an intermediary body, The cluster also presents vestiges of cooperation and its competitiveness is more destructive.

Theoretical contributions: The theoretical contribution is the consolidation of the network discipline, as well as of the national literature on the subject.