Allocation of Property Rights in Emerging Governance Models of Agricultural Cooperatives in Mato Grosso Do Sul: A Comparative Analysis with Traditional Cooperatives

Abstract

The discussion about the governance of agricultural cooperatives has emphasized that a better allocation of property rights interferes with the competitiveness of this business model in the increasingly internationalized and deregulated market. This study seeks a greater deepening of the allocation of property rights in agricultural cooperatives in Mato Grosso do Sul/Brazil. The qualitative research was carried out in 4 agricultural cooperatives, two considered an emerging model and two traditional cooperatives. The investigation was conducted through the analysis of minutes of Ordinary General Meetings, statutes, and semi-structured interviews with managers and presidents. It was observed that the agricultural cooperatives, seen as an emerging model, where there is a selection of new members and act in a purchasing pool format, demonstrate an evolution concerning the traditional model by pointing to a greater professionalization of management, evidence of the separation between property and management. Moreover, the emerging model becomes more attractive than the traditional one by efficiently allocating the residual rights (earnings).