Relacionamentos de poder, pressões institucionais e mecanismos de governança diante dos riscos ambientais e sociais: um estudo exploratório nas cadeias de carne bovina e do chocolate

Abstract

Environmental and social risks impact the reputation of supply chain stakeholders, including the purchasing company (EC), first-tier suppliers (F1), and second-tier suppliers (F2), resulting in adverse effects on both the environment and society. Power dynamics, institutional pressures, and governance mechanisms are integral aspects of the EC, F1, and F2 triad; however, they have been addressed in a fragmented and limited manner. In this context, the purpose of this study is to examine the influence of these themes concerning the emergence of risks in agribusiness supply chains. To achieve this, a literature review was conducted, followed by a field study in the beef and chocolate supply chains, both identified as susceptible to sustainability challenges in Brazil. Data collection encompassed 30 interviews with stakeholders associated with the chains. Additionally, secondary data were scrutinized to enhance and deepen the analysis. Data underwent content analysis, facilitated by the QDA Miner software. Within the beef and chocolate supply chains, the slaughterhouses and processors, respectively, exert pressure on cattle ranchers and cocoa growers to reduce costs in raw material, thereby increasing the financial vulnerability of F2. Findings reveal that the chains face difficulties stemming from governmental limitations in inspecting and penalizing offenders (enforcement deficiencies). Moreover, a state of "superficial compliance" was observed among EC and F1; although they claim to adopt sustainable practices, their initiatives barely extend to F2. Governance mechanisms of certification (contractual), cooperation, and third-party involvement (relational) were identified as means to mitigate risks, but their scope within the chains remains limited. Consequently, the scalability of these mechanisms is compromised, largely excluding the majority of F2. NGOs, universities, and the Public Prosecutor's Office can aid in risk mitigation, as these stakeholders possess the knowledge to guide and sensitize participants to prevent potential harm and implement effective mitigation strategies. Based on these results, this research advances comprehension of governance mechanisms embedded in the operations of lower-tier suppliers within the supply chain. For supply chain professionals and managers, understanding the impact of power relationships and institutional pressures facilitates the adept adoption of governance mechanisms, ensuring their efficacy across various tiers and contexts of the supply chain.