Contribuição de cooperativas do Rio Grande do Sul no desenvolvimento local

Abstract

Cooperativism and sustainability are terms that are increasingly discussed around the world. The search for balance between environmental, social and psychological aspects has been a constant in enterprises over the years. This context has moved organizations to adopt risky initiatives for their survival, at the same time, capable of making them competitive and able to face the challenges that arise in the environment where they operate. Thus, considering the importance of cooperatives and sustainability nowadays, the main objective of this study was to identify the actions developed by the management of cooperatives in the State of Rio Grande do Sul (RS) that can configure it as a driving agent in the development local. Methodologically, a qualitative, exploratory-descriptive research was carried out, through a case study (multicases). The data collection tool consists of a semi-structured interview script. A document analysis was also carried out. Interviews were conducted with 3 directors of the cooperatives. For data analysis, an approximation of the content analysis technique was carried out. The data revealed that the cooperatives in the state of Rio Grande do Sul are distributed across the Intermediate Geographic Region, in 162 municipalities in a number of 505 cooperatives, among the 7 branches. It can be observed through the study carried out that the highest representativeness index by branch is in agribusiness with 32%, followed by the credit branch with 21%. The highest concentration of cooperatives is in the Intermediate Region of Uruguaiana, with 60%, followed by the Intermediate Region of Santa Maria, with 42.50% of the total number of cooperatives. Despite the identification of several actions related to the Principles of Cooperativism, SDG and ESG, a study with a greater number of representativeness of cooperatives is necessary.