The Role of Empirical Research in the Study of Complex Forms of Governance in Agroindustrial Systems

RESR, Piracicaba-SP, Vol. 50, No. 4, pp. 667-682, 2012

16 Pages Posted: 6 Aug 2013

See all articles by Guilherme Fowler Monteiro

Guilherme Fowler Monteiro

Insper Institute of Education and Research; Center for Organization Studies

Sylvia Saes

FEA-USP

Silvia M. Q. Caleman

Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS) - Department of Administration

Decio Zylbersztajn

University of São Paulo (USP) - Department of Administration

Date Written: December 20, 2012

Abstract

The growing complexity of supply chains poses new challenges for Agricultural Research Centers and statistical agencies. The aim of this perspective paper is to discuss the role of empirical research in understanding the complex forms of governance in agribusiness. The authors argue that there are three fundamental levels of analysis: (i) the basic structure of the market, (ii) the formal contractual arrangements that govern relations within the agroindustrial system and (iii) the transactional dimensions governed by non-contractual means. The case of the agrochemical industry in Brazil illustrates how traditional analyses that only address market structure are insufficient to fully explain the agricultural sector and its supply chain. The article concludes by suggesting some indicators which could be collected by statistical agencies to improve understanding of the complex relationships among agribusiness segments. In doing so, the paper seeks to minimize costs and to enable a better formulation of public and private policies.

Keywords: complex forms, empirical research, market structure, contracts, nonmeasurable attributes

Suggested Citation

Monteiro, Guilherme Fowler and Saes, Maria Sylvia Macchione and Caleman, Silvia M. Q. and Zylbersztajn, Decio, The Role of Empirical Research in the Study of Complex Forms of Governance in Agroindustrial Systems (December 20, 2012). RESR, Piracicaba-SP, Vol. 50, No. 4, pp. 667-682, 2012, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2306355

Guilherme Fowler Monteiro (Contact Author)

Insper Institute of Education and Research ( email )

R Quata 300
Sao Paulo, 04542-030
Brazil

Center for Organization Studies

Av. Luciano Gualberto, 908
Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-900
Brazil

Maria Sylvia Macchione Saes

FEA-USP ( email )

Av. Prof. Luciano Gualberto 908
São Paulo SP, São Paulo 05508-900
Brazil

Silvia M. Q. Caleman

Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS) - Department of Administration ( email )

Av. Fernando Corrêa da Costa, nº 2367
Bairro Boa Esperança
Cuiabá, MT Mato Grosso 78060-900
Brazil

Decio Zylbersztajn

University of São Paulo (USP) - Department of Administration ( email )

Av. Prof. Luciano Gualberto
908 - Predio 1 Sala C14
Sao Paulo 05508-900
Brazil
55-11-3032-5966 (Phone)
55-11-3032-5966 (Fax)

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