Resumo Nesse artigo, analisa-se a motivação econômica para a existência das instituições de microfinança (MFIs). O trabalho contribui para os estudos a respeito do porquê as MFIs existem e, principalmente, de quais mecanismos são usados para lidar com os seus riscos de crédito. Ao analisar a razão pela qual há indivíduos pobres considerados “não-bancáveis”, apresenta-se a lógica econômica que motiva a sua exclusão dos mercados formais de crédito. Mostra-se como

Abstract In this paper, we focus on the economic motivation for the existence of microfinance institutions (MFIs). In doing so, our study contributes to the debate regarding why MFIs exist and, especially, what mechanisms are used to address the risks associated with their operation. In examining the reasons why some individuals are regarded as “non-bankable”, we lay out the basic economic logic that motivates the exclusion of this population from formal credit markets. Next, we show how the lending group methodology overcomes the credit dilemma which sustains and increases the exclusion of the poorest from these formal credit sources. Through this, we point out the microfinance founding mechanisms: the increase of both informational symmetry and enforcement capacity of MFIs through the enhancement of their screening, monitoring and enforcement activities. We also highlight the importance of context and gender for the success of lending groups. Finally, we analyze these mechanisms in the Brazilian context.

Some studies have already highlighted the effects of the introduction of Corporate Social Responsibility [CSR] projects into Multinational Corporations’ [MNC] strategies. However, little attention has been paid to the influence of transverse CSR structure on headquarters/subsidiary integration. In this article, we begin with the following question: What is the influence of the introduction of a centralized/decentralized structure on conducting a CSR strategy in a MNC? Our main objective is to identify conditions through which the structure of the CSR department influences the CSR strategy of the MNC. We define transverse CSR structure as: (1) the existence of a CSR directory at the headquarters level and a CSR representative at the subsidiary level, and (2) the existence of representatives from different areas who participate in meetings or committees to make decisions about CSR strategy. We argue that a transverse CSR structure favors consideration of global and local CSR demands by headquarters and subsidiaries. This process takes place through the mediation of three main elements: information exchange, awareness activities and definition of objectives.

This study was inspired by the proposition developed by Karthik (2002) and applied to a context of horizontal interorganizational relations. Our main objective was to understand how the learning process between organizations inserted in networks occurs, from the perspective of the evolution of relationships over time. This study has a qualitative and exploratory nature, and the method adopted is the case study with multiple units of analysis. The research was carried out in a network of thirteen supermarket companies in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The data was collected through individual interviews, questionnaires, documental sources and histories of learning. As the main contribution, we highlight the critical discussion made of the model proposed by Karthik (2002) as it is applied in horizontal networks: contradicting the author's suggestion, the results of this research reveal that there was a predominance of mutual learning in the initial stages of the companies' relationships and, as the relationships evolved, there was a predominance of unilateral learning. This change can be seen in the adoption of opportunist behavior and the predominance of structural characteristics of trust in the relationships established by the companies involved.

Alguns autores apontam o empreendedorismo como um importante vetor de sustentabilidade socioeconômica nos países do mundo inteiro. No entanto, acredita-se que o papel do empreendedor pode ir além desses fatores socioeconômicos observados por estes autores. Com uma mudança de valores, se poderia constituir uma nova noção de empreendedorismo orientado para a sustentabilidade também ambiental, sendo essa a discussão central deste artigo. Tendo em vista a constatação de que os produtos advindos de práticas agrícolas biodinâmicas podem ser considerados social e ambientalmente corretos, pretende-se, neste artigo, analisar as inovações desenvolvidas por um empreendedor que é um dos principais produtores de arroz biodinâmico brasileiro. Neste artigo, se assume uma abordagem qualitativa visando captar, com maior profundidade, detalhes relacionados ao caso desse empreendedor. Entende-se que, além de criatividade e liderança, o empreendedor orientado para a sustentabilidade deve possuir valores que estejam de acordo com essa perspectiva ao conduzir as atividades da organização.

Some authors point the entrepreneurship as an important vector of social and economical sustainability in the countries all around the world. However, we believe that the role of the entrepreneur can go beyond these factors observed by these authors. Starting from a change of values, they could constitute a new notion of entrepreneurship oriented, also, towards environmental sustainability, being this the main discussion of this article. Taking into account that the biodynamic products can be considered socially and environmentally correct, we intend to analyze, in this article, the innovations developed by an entrepreneur who is one of the main producers of biodynamic rice in Brazil. This article assumes a qualitative boarding aiming to catch, in a deeper way, details related to the case of this entrepreneur. We understand that, beyond creativity and leadership, the entrepreneur oriented towards sustainability must possess values that are in accordance with this perspective when leading the activities of the organization.

A multiplicação de pesquisas na área de administração se acentua nos últimos anos, em alguns casos com certa falta de rigor na definição da postura epistêmico-metodológica adotada pelos pesquisadores. Nesse cenário, nota-se que a tradição das pesquisas em administração e mais especificamente em estratégia mostra uma predominância de trabalhos de cunho positivista. Um importante avanço para a área estaria justamente na busca por posturas alternativas e adaptadas a suas necessidades. Objetiva-se aqui justamente sugerir uma dessas alternativas, ou seja, propor uma postura epistemológica de concepção e uma possível condução metodológica dessa postura. Assim, o presente artigo traz três contribuições principais: 1. destaca a importância de adicionar a discussão epistemológica nos estudos e nas pesquisas em estratégia, 2. dispõe de novas classificações epistemológicas e/ou metodológicas para representar mais fielmente as várias etapas de pesquisas no campo da estratégia, e 3. propõe uma metodologia que permite operacionalizar as situações de pesquisa vividas no campo da estratégia.

The multiplication of researches in the management area has been accentuated in the last years, having sometimes as characteristic the lack of resolution in the definition of the epistemo-methodological position adopted by the researchers in their works. Independently of the possible mistakes derived from classification problems, it can be noticed that the tradition of researches in management, and more specifically strategy, demonstrate a predominance of positivist studies. An important advance for the field could be exactly in seeking an alternative position adapted to the needs of the area's researches. The objective of this work is precisely to suggest one of these alternatives, proposing a conception epistemological position and a possible methodological conduction of such position. Thus, the present article presents three main contributions: 1. it highlights the importance of adding the epistemological discussion to the studies and researches of Strategy, 2. it disposes of new epistemological and/or methodological classifications in order to represent more accurately the several stages of research in the field of strategy and 3. it proposes a methodology which allows one to operationalize the research situations experienced in the field of strategy.