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Purpose: This paper investigates how companies become resilient to supply chain (SC) piracy through using transactional and relational governance mechanisms to develop strategies effective in environments characterized by weak regulative institutions and mistrust. Design/methodology/approach: This study developed case studies of nine large manufacturers with operations in Brazil. Findings: The companies employed transactional and relational governance mechanisms to learn from past incidents, anticipate, and respond to the threat of SC piracy, becoming more resilient over time. Transactional governance mechanisms reduced risk triggers through technology, while relational governance mechanisms enhanced trust between SC and non-SC members, allowing the members to build social capital. Practical implications: The authors provide practical guidance for managers and policymakers in developing risk management strategies based on technology and collaboration to reduce SC piracy in environments characterized by mistrust. Social implications: SC piracy is a serious problem for global operations and SCs in many low-cost manufacturing locations. Besides the cost and service level consequences, the authors also highlight worker safety consequences, including the potential for kidnapping, psychological trauma, injuries, and death. Originality/value: This study focuses on the little-researched topic of SC piracy. The authors examine the negative effects of a weak institutional environment, while most prior research focuses on the positive effects of a strong institutional environment. The authors position transactional and relational governance mechanisms as essential elements of SC risk resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to present a situation that Brazil is coming to terms with the creation of football companies. The solution is to sell football clubs to investors that can solve any inherited financial crisis and provide the players the clubs need to improve the situation. As clubs are now managed by investors, board members, society and supporters have almost no information about how the clubs are being managed. The authors' recommendation is that besides the need for a transformation in management, there is also an urgent need for professionalisation and government regulation of the process (Andon and Free, 2019). Design/methodology/approach: The authors' comments are based on documents, laws and newspaper news. Findings: The results are engaging with the clubs achieving results in the short term, supporting fans returning to stadiums and the possibility of more investors becoming shareholders of football clubs. Originality/value: This study is the first academic exercise of meditation about the process of turning Brazilian football clubs into anonymous societies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper presents an empirical contribution to the literature on cluster evolution, highlighting the decline phase. The analysis focuses on the footwear sector in Rio Grande do Sul (RS) state, in southern Brazil, where an important footwear cluster is located, which was once considered one of the world's largest footwear clusters. The purpose of this study is to analyse the transformation of this footwear industrial sector since the beginning of the 2000s using several sectoral statistics. Design/methodology/approach: This paper presents an empirical and longitudinal study that comprises the sourcing of 20 years of secondary data, based on official sources. The main data analysed were production, price, industrial structure, labour market and foreign market. Findings: The main results indicated a significant reduction in production, export and employment. In addition, a precarization of the labour market was observed, with lower wage levels, even with an increase in the formal qualification of labour over time. The finding is that the RS footwear sector underwent a huge structural change and lost the status of a worldwide supercluster. This decline occurred due to two central factors: an external shock related to China's entry into the international and Brazilian domestic markets, accompanied by a slowdown in the Brazilian economy since 2015; and the difficulty of local firms responding to the new challenges. Research limitations/implications: Synthesizing the findings, it is understood that this paper contributes to registering the trajectory of decline over time of the footwear sector in RS. In this sector, the Sinos Valley cluster is located, historically known as a footwear producing and exporting supercluster. This cluster loses the characteristic of a "supercluster", but it still remains an important footwear cluster in Brazil. Therefore, this study reinforces the existence of fragilities already pointed out by the literature in Schimtz (1999) and, more recently, in Schmidt (2020). The need to address a set of fragilities remains current, both at the micro- and meso-levels. This is key to reversing the decline trajectory of the cluster and the sector. Moreover, as recent studies on clusters point out, one still must think about the impact of another ongoing paradigmatic transformation concerning the use and development of Industry 4.0 technologies. Thus, the central challenge is to think about and implement new public and private policies. The historical, economic and social relevance of the sector and the cluster demand efforts to reverse the decline. Originality/value: This study focuses to contribute to the discussion about the decline of the footwear production in the region by analysing secondary data regarding the industrial sector. This is an analysis at the meso-level (industry). The authors understand that the originality of the research lies in the longitudinal analysis for a recent period (past 20 years) that captures the greatest current crisis experienced by the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper analyzes the issue of wage differentials and gender discrimination in the Brazilian labor market. Design/methodology/approach: The methodology is based on the log-linear equation model by Mincer (1974) and the decomposition method by Oaxaca (1973) and Blinder (1973) and was estimated using data from the National Household Sample Survey (PNAD). Findings: The main results indicate that there was a reduction in wage differentials and gender discrimination in the majority of regions in Brazil for white workers when comparing the available years. However, for non-white workers, the degree of discrimination increased in Brazil, especially in the central-west and southeast regions. Overall, wage decompositions have suggested that women suffer from wage discrimination. Originality/value: This is the first paper detailing wage discrimination across the different Brazilian regions and also controlling for usual dimensions like gender and race. Peer review: The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-09-2021-0569. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to evaluate the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis on startups performance and the moderating effects played by several resilience-related startup characteristics during times of crisis. Design/methodology/approach: To achieve this, 94 Brazil-based startups were surveyed, and multivariate data techniques (PLS-SEM) were applied. Findings: The results show that despite the startups performance having been affected by the pandemic crisis, the response measures, when influenced by the resilience characteristics of these companies, moderated this effect. Furthermore, our findings suggest the future challenges to be faced by these organisations in the post-pandemic period. Research limitations/implications: Proposing a framework, our survey research contributes to the dynamic capabilities theory by showing that startups resilience is linked to the micro-foundations of sensing (e.g. innovation systems, resilience culture, pivoting practices, innovativeness products), seizing (e.g. leadership/focused skills, people development and selection, agility, clear vision of business process) and reconfiguring capabilities. Practical implications: Not only for theory, but this paper also contributes insights and guidelines for business practice in the face of challenges arising from times of crisis. By demonstrating the positive effect of early response measures based on resilience, our findings provide genuine managerial input that can help managers, funders and decision-makers in these companies operations against turbulent crises early on, thereby supporting the traction phase and sustaining their performance. Originality/value: Previous research has examined the effects of the COVID-19 crisis in several sectors and perspectives. However, this study is the first to empirically test and clarify how the resilience and singularities of these new business models based on innovation could react to the changes caused by the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to explore the interplay between consumption and depression through a cross-cultural study conducted in Brazil and Germany. Design/methodology/approach: Data collection was conducted through an online survey. Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was used to assess depression levels from a sample of 1,627 respondents (759 Germans and 868 Brazilians). Descriptive statistics, multiple linear regression and Mann–Whitney U tests were applied. Findings: Cultural characteristics are relevant in the consumption-depression interplay. The authors identified marketplace resources and stressors consisting of products categories that influence the depression level of the depressed consumer. Additionally, individuals with some level of depression presented different consumption habits than those without. A table summarizing the findings is presented at the end of the paper. Research limitations/implications: Work limitations refer to the consumption categories analyzed and the large share of students in the sample. Practical implications: Marketplace measures have an active role in mitigating or increasing depression levels. Thus, consumption can also be used as a transformative tool to benefit the lives of depressive individuals. Some suggestions are presented. Social implications: This study contributes to the discussion that consumption impacts the daily lives of people with depression and provides recommendations on how to adapt consumption habits to help depressive individuals optimize their quality of life and well-being. Originality/value: This paper contributes empirically and theoretically to the discussion of mental health and consumption and introduces innovative consumption categories (from daily life) that are incipient in previous literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to evaluate how improvements in municipal solid waste management systems (MSWMS) can contribute to a transition toward circular economy (CE) in urban areas, outlining actions and guidelines for public policies. Design/methodology/approach: The research was carried out in three municipalities located in the state of São Paulo in terms of: diagnosis; elaboration of more positive scenarios in terms of CE and scaling of economic and environmental benefits; and outline actions and guidelines for public policies of MSWMS. Findings: In developing countries like Brazil, MSWMS can contribute to a transition toward a CE through new public policies and management practices, or even through the improvement of those that already exist. Examples of this are the integration of the informal sector of the recycling chain and service sector related to repairs of clothing, shoes, furniture and electronics as well as composting at the food production site. This could be strengthened by legal and financial mechanisms, training and carbon credit projects. Moreover, there is a need for integration of public policies between different levels of governments and sectoral policies. Originality/value: This paper developed a methodology to examine the potential for a transition toward a CE through the MSWMS in different scenarios and cities. This methodology allows to advance the implementation of the concept of CE in urban areas of developing countries and generating co-benefits to the local economy and the global environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper examines the role of occupational segregation in the evolution of wage differentials by gender and race in the Brazilian labor market between 2005 and 2015. Design/methodology/approach: The author uses microdata from the National Household Sample Survey and adopts two occupational integration typology to capture both horizontal and vertical segregation. The decomposition method proposed by Firpo et al. (2009) is employed to investigate the determinants of changes in differentials along the wage distribution. Findings: Results suggest a glass ceiling effect for all groups compared to white men. Gender and racial discrimination persist, especially at the top of the distribution. For both black women and men, observable characteristics account for most of the wage differentials, while for white women, the opposite occurs because of their education level. Vertical segregation behavior indicates that white men continue over-represented in higher-paid occupations. Although women improved their relative position in the occupational hierarchy, horizontal segregation behavior shows that their concentration in female-dominated occupations has not reduced, except in extreme quantiles. Education played a crucial role in reducing wage gaps, and regional differences stood out as a significant factor of the racial disadvantage. Originality/value: The paper shows significant differences between the groups regarding verticalization and horizontalization of occupational structure along the wage distribution and over time, contributing to filling some gaps in the literature concerning the wage stratification based on gender and race in Brazil. Occupational segregation as a composition factor of the groups determines their positions in a vertically hierarchical and socially stratified occupational structure. The behavior of horizontal and vertical segregations evidences the continue under-valorization of female occupations and the barriers faced by racial and gendered groups to overcome the glass ceiling effect. Recognize the intersectionality of gender and race in addressing inequalities is fundamental to promote policies that overcome them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to propose an assessment framework to evaluate companies' innovation capability in the context of industrial clusters. Design/methodology/approach: The assessment framework was built based on the Graph-Theoretic Approach (GTA) to measure the influence of the factors and sub-factors of innovation capabilities. To quantify the level of interdependence between factors and sub-factors of innovation capability Delphi method was adopted. The authors developed five case studies in firms from an Information and Communications Technology and Creative Economy cluster in Northeastern Brazil to test the framework's applicability. Findings: The results showed that identifying and evaluating the factors of innovation capability allows a larger understanding of what affects these capabilities to a greater or lesser extent and contributes to strategic decision-making. Research limitations/implications: The framework evaluates the innovation capability of each firm, not providing an index for the whole industrial cluster. Besides, the framework does not consider the innovations developed by the companies through the innovation's capabilities. As the Delphi technique was adopted to analyze the levels of influence or interdependence between factors and sub-factors of innovation capability, different experts may lead to different results. Practical implications: Among the managerial implications, the authors can highlight the innovation capability index as a practical performance measure to stimulate improvement initiatives regarding innovations in industrial clusters. Besides, as the proposed framework is generic, research organizations, public institutions and regional governments can adopt it to analyze innovation capabilities in cluster-based companies. Originality/value: Previous industrial cluster studies have concentrated on knowledge transfer as the main attribute influencing innovation capabilities. The literature also presents assessment frameworks focusing on qualitative analyses or innovation capabilities outcomes (patents and products). Differently, the authors proposed a quantitative assessment framework considering specific factors (and sub-factors) of innovation capabilities in industrial clusters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to measure income differences between the obese and the non-obese for Brazil and understand which components explain these differences. Design/methodology/approach: A decomposition method based on recentered influence functions, proposed by Firpo et al. (2007) is used, and the procedure is applied to individuals' income distribution quantiles. Findings: The results confirm the existence of a wage gap between obese and non-obese men and women. In the case of men, the difference was favorable to the obese in all quantiles and in the case of women, favorable to the non-obese. The biggest differences were observed at the top of the distribution. This difference is mostly explained by observable characteristics that cause the wage gap between groups. The wage structure effect, which may have elements associated with discrimination in its composition, was not relevant in most quantiles. Research limitations/implications: Unobserved factors can impact the results, but our methodology tries to minimize such impact. Practical implications: The authors can only observe a point in time and with that they do not know how long the individual has been obese. Originality/value: The methodology adopted in the work is recent; moreover, studies on the effects of obesity on the labor market are still recent in Brazilian research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The intention-behavior gap that occurs when one's actions do not align with their intentions has been the topic of interest of many researchers. However, the effects of the various constructs that influence the intention-behavior gap in service failure and recovery remain under-explored to date. To fill this gap, this study aims to examine the relationship between switching intention (i.e. intention) and customer exit (i.e. behavior) and the moderating roles of failure severity and service recovery satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach: To test the proposed hypotheses, the authors used a longitudinal panel involving 821 customers who actually experienced a service failure and recovery in 38 fitness centers in Brazil. The data analysis is composed of logistic regression and cross-tabulation. Findings: The results confirmed the significant role of switching intention on customer exit and the moderating effect of failure severity (but not service recovery satisfaction) in the relationship between switching intention and customer exit. Most of all, switching intention had low explanatory power for customer exit, confirming the presence of the intention-behavior gap. The authors further identified a weaker presence of the intention-behavior gap for female (vs male) customers and for those who experienced process failure (vs outcome failure). Research limitations/implications: Although the authors confirmed the intention-behavior gap, the biggest proportion of the variance remains unexplained. Thus, it is important to explore the roles of other possible drivers, moderators and mediators. Practical implications: As switching intention is not a strong predictor of customer exit, managers should not assume that those who appear to be on the verge of switching will immediately exit the service provider. Originality/value: As researchers question the explanatory power of intention for actual behavior, this paper confirms that there is an intention-behavior gap in service failure and recovery. Moreover, given that most researchers have focused on the positive outcomes of service recovery efforts, such as customer loyalty and commitment, studying negative outcomes, including switching intention and customer exit, is a key contribution of this research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This article aims to analyse the spatial and temporal evolution of multidimensional poverty in Brazil's North Region and its relationship with territorial, economic and population dynamics. Design/methodology/approach: A multidimensional poverty index (MPI) was calculated using the Alkire-Foster method and a spatial econometric model was estimated. The data come from population censuses conducted by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) for the years 1991, 2000 and 2010. Findings: The results show a decrease in multidimensional poverty over the period analysed. However, they show this reduction occurred in a heterogeneous way in time and space, with emphasis on microregions in which, despite a reduction in the rate, the percentage of the population considered multidimensionally poor remained high during the 30 years of the study. Research limitations/implications: The quality of available data. Practical implications: It is possible to point out that public policies focused on improving infrastructure in medium-sized locations tend to have two positive effects: first, making production and consumption more accessible and sustainable for local communities, given that currently the cost of transport and logistics are factors that hinder socioeconomic development; second, to reduce the pressure of demand that this population of small and medium-sized locations exerts on public services currently offered only in larger locations. Although the logic of concentrating most public services in the largest cities makes sense in terms of economic efficiency, the particularities of the northern region and the recognition of its environmental importance point to the need for incentives for more spatially distributed economic activity. Social implications: From the paper results, it is possible to think about more local public policies which are able to improve people's lifes without to damage the environment. Originality/value: This is the first study on multidimensional poverty that covers the entire North region of Brazil (Amazon region) and that contemplates both the temporal and spatial dynamics of poverty. Peer review: The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-11-2021-0699. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to investigate the impact of social features of an inter-organizational network on organizational learning and, in turn, on its performance. Specifically, this paper focuses on the following social features: proximity among members, trust among members, trust in network management, commitment among members, members' engagement and exchange of information. Design/methodology/approach: This paper is based on evidence from a survey involving 101 organizations that integrate the Cooperation Networks established in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The authors analyze data by using exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling. Furthermore, they advance to also measuring "subjective" variables to business excellence. Findings: The authors find that trust in network management and information exchange is positively associated with organizational learning. In turn, organizational learning appears to impact network members' performance positively. Arguably, no results about the impact of proximity among members, trust among members and commitment among members are interesting to activate a discussion on the role of region cultural dimensions in shaping the impact of social features underlying the inter-organizational networks on organizational learning. Research limitations/implications: This study can be enriched by considering moderating variables in the relationships between the social conditions underlying inter-organizational network and learning. Practical implications: The authors critically discuss the social features underlying the inter-organizational networks that impact learning among network members and how these aspects may be addressed to improve performance. Originality/value: Given the focus of this empirical analysis, the authors advance the idea that regional culture is the layer of culture that most powerfully inspires the social features of networks, and shapes organizational learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In this paper, the authors aim to explore the relationship between the concepts of Industry 4.0 and circular economy (CE) as a contribution to the management decision on emerging countries. By analyzing the trends of scientific production to ascertain the interface of both constructs, the purpose of this paper is to identify limitations for Industry 4.0 and CE implementation in Brazil, as well to present an original framework and strategic pathways to overcome limitations for emerging countries. Design/methodology/approach: Supported in the Brazilian case, the authors draw a framework using the structuralism approach to indicate pathways for the strategic positioning of emerging economies that consider their limitation and potential for competitive advantage. By understanding country-related limitations such as social and economic contingencies, the authors conceive a structure of implications for Brazil's capacity to develop CE in the digital era. Findings: Results show that Brazil has a reasonable, institutional and stable environment, as well as strong regulatory policies for solid waste that can stimulate CE in the country. However, it requires more communication between actors, especially public and private institutions, performing long-range relationships. Also, the country requires consolidation of industrial policies and investments in the remanufacturing process in the supply chain. Likewise, despite Brazil's ability to take advantage of CE's benefits, the country presents a huge lack of qualification to fulfill the competences that the digitization process demands. Economically, Brazil has been fighting against an economic crisis since 2014 that has limited general investments, especially in the industrial sector. Industry presents low performance and decreasing GDP participation, which leads to constant overseas production transfer as a consequence of the workforce's high costs. Research limitations/implications: The authors can affirm that Brazil is far behind developed countries in searching for the capacity to provide CE through technological industrial change. The main problems are related to the lack of articulation of public and private spheres to promote new digital business models. Therefore, the structured framework enables managers and public agents to provide solutions and to properly address supply chain bottlenecks in emerging economies. Originality/value: Exploring the relationship between the concepts of Industry 4.0 and CE through the specific lens of the structuralist method, this work can contribute to the management decision on emerging countries, looking into four important perspectives: political, economic, social and technological. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Based on a critical lens, this paper aims to empirically evaluate the adoption of programs to buy from minority suppliers (MS) and their outcomes in Brazil, considering a multi-stakeholder approach (buying companies, suppliers and third parties). Design/methodology/approach: The data were collected via an exploratory survey involving 109 buying companies and two case studies with 21 in-depth interviews. Findings: It was revealed that supplier diversity (SD) in Brazil is still developing, and is more rhetoric than a practice promoting real change. The current traditional procurement mindset, the role of third parties, and the focus on supplier selection, rather than on supplier development prevents a social impact that could reduce inequality between MS and their counterparts. Originality/value: Previous studies were focused on buying companies' perspective in advanced countries that have clear regulation for SD. By exploring the phenomenon in a country with great economic disparities and no regulation, and using a critical lens, this study highlights the difference between desired and effective implementation of social initiatives that promote inclusiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This research aims to identify Brazil's socioeconomic vulnerability to wicked multi-problems arising from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) (2019–2020), from the most extensive (∼ 3,000 km) oil spill in tropical oceans (2019/2020) and from the highest rate of wildfires in the last decade. Design/methodology/approach: To this end, the authors measured the socioeconomic vulnerabilities of the 27 Brazilian states to these multi-problems (COVID-19 + Oil Spill + wildFire), considering the effects of these events individually and together. In addition, the authors calculated the vulnerability indices using two variables: production value and number of jobs created by an economic activity. Findings: Results show the states of São Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Rio de Janeiro as the most susceptible, with a potential loss of 74.2% in production value and 47% in active employment relationships, caused by these overlapping events in time. The results also demonstrate that the country has failed in the coordination and management of these events (separately and jointly), showing difficulties especially in the stages of immediate response and recovery. Originality/value: Regarding its contributions, this paper innovates by establishing an unprecedented overlap of wicked problems, linking this concept to the analysis of socioeconomic vulnerability of the affected communities, through a model that applies to other regions worldwide. Peer review: The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-09-2021-0536 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper investigates specific organizational capabilities related to stakeholder relationship capability and the effect of the latter on value creation. Design/methodology/approach: The authors propose and test whether organizational capabilities related to knowledge, engagement, moral and adaptation are positively related to stakeholder relationship capability. The authors then test the effect of stakeholder relationship capability on the creation of greater value for stakeholders. The study tests the hypotheses with paneled data composed of a sample of 116 publicly traded companies in Brazil for a total of 275 observations taken over three years. Findings: The findings show that there is a positive and significant relationship between knowledge, engagement, moral and adaptation capabilities and stakeholder relationship capability. Stakeholder relationship capability has been shown to have a positive and significant effect on greater value creation for stakeholders. Practical implications: Analysis of the processes and practices that serve as the basis for each capability is meaningful for managerial practices, as it offers a more detailed understanding of the routines pertaining to each capability. Practical discussions on operational procedure levels are a meaningful and attainable way for managers to apply stakeholder theory. Originality/value: The investigation of the specific capabilities enabling value creation between the company and its stakeholders contributes to the discussion of the connections between stakeholder theory and the resource-based view (RBV). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to identify the personal values of consumers of ethical cosmetics in Brazil, using the resulting personality types to segment consumers for the development of strategies by Brazilian retailers and international players. Design/methodology/approach: This study administered the psychometric Values and Lifestyles Scale (VALS) via an online survey with 302 consumers of ethical cosmetics. First, exploratory factorial analysis was employed to identify the behavior of VALS' factors within the sample. Second, cluster analysis was performed using hierarchical clustering technique in order to link demographic variables and VALS' types to form specific consumer profiles. Findings: The study found eight VALS types in the sample respondents but with a different configuration than the original factors. They were named, respectively, "Avant-garde", "Oriented to fashion", "Artisans", "Committed to morality and religion", "Leader of a group", "Theoretical", "Ingenious" and "Conservative". Results indicated a demographically homogeneous sample with personality profiles mostly placed among VALS' original factors "Experiencer", "Thinker" and "Innovator". Research limitations/implications: Results may vary within other cultural contexts and different means of investigation suggesting future research opportunities. Practical implications: Ethical demands concerning health and environmental preservation are no longer neglectable. The study of consumers' personal values can contribute to formulate suitable retail strategies for expected demands of consumers in the ethical cosmetics segment. Originality/value: These findings are expected to provide resources for decision-makers, academics, practitioners and marketers concerning several points of sensitivity in their relationship with ethical consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the franchising sector in Brazil and highlight the opportunities and offer strategies for practitioners. It also points out some challenges and gives suggestions to overcome them and thrive in the Brazilian market through the franchising system. Design/methodology/approach: This paper reviews both literature and practical sources providing primary data from interviews conducted with franchising experts from the Brazilian Franchising Association and a consultant company. Findings: International franchisors willing to enter the Brazilian market might face some challenges, such as the language barrier, the complex tax system and the need for local adaptations. Foreign entrants should consider low control entry modes as master franchising and area development agreements, with local partners that know the Brazilian culture, business system and regulations. Originality/value: Brazil presents a great market potential for international franchisors. It counts with an established franchising system and a stable regulatory environment. This paper provides relevant information about the characteristics, opportunities and challenges to operate in the Brazilian market, offering suggestions of strategies and several possibilities to explore different regions, locations and models across the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to explore the effects of institutional environments across developed and emerging markets on buyer–supplier cooperation. It empirically examines a Business-to-Business relational exchange model of trust-building, commitment and cooperative behaviors within firms in the USA and countries such as Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC). Design/methodology/approach: A conceptual model and accompanying research hypotheses are tested on a sample of buyers from the USA (n = 169), Brazil (n = 110), China (n = 100), Russia (n = 100) and India (n = 100). Structural equation modeling is used to test the relationships in the model. Findings: Findings suggest that approaches to achieve successful cooperation vary across countries and depend on the interaction between formal and informal institutions present in each country. Results show that buyers from India and China place relatively greater emphasis on conflict resolution and commitment, whereas buyers from Brazil and Russia rely more on trust in their efforts to create cooperative relationships. For US buyers, formality and quality of communication and functional benefits are key factors in fostering trust, commitment and cooperation. Practical implications: A conceptual framework is advanced that extends traditional westernized and China-only perspectives of relational exchanges to a more universal context. Results suggest that suppliers understand how their buyers' country-level institutional environment shapes their partnership legitimacy and relational motivations at the transaction level. Originality/value: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is the first to examine buyer–supplier relational exchanges through the lenses of transaction cost, social exchange and institutional theories using the USA and BRIC nations as proxies for examination of institutional effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to provide an overview of an expanded, workable conception of rural youth and adult education that will move Brazil closer to a fair, egalitarian society focused on human development. Design/methodology/approach: This research uses a qualitative bibliographic perspective, analyzing historical data extracted from bibliographic and empirical research on rural education – assumptions for thinking about lifelong learning for young and adult peasants – and education and learning for all throughout life. Findings: Education is critical in a democracy, forming the foundation of social, cultural and political citizenship, critical decision-making and an informed populace. Therefore, teacher education policies aimed at rural education in Brazil must be strengthened, funded and improved. Research limitations/implications: This research does not present similarities and differences compared to European experiences; instead, it suggests expanding studies on this topic in other international contexts through developmental research to widen the discussion. Practical implications: Providing high-quality, customized training for the teachers who teach the vastly diverse body of rural students is essential in terms of empowering and recognizing young and adult peasants' right to learn. Social implications: "Education for all throughout life" has become a recognized right. Democracies must universalize this right by developing public policies, implementing them throughout the entire population and monitoring progress to verify that everyone – including the poorest peasant in the remotest countryside – has the tools to learn effectively. Originality/value: By placing this study in the context of youth and adult learning, the study complements research that has addressed this topic in different international contexts, contributing broadly to knowledge regarding teacher education for rural areas and, more generally, to the implications of lifelong learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Lean manufacturing (LM) has advocated gains by reducing waste and intensifying continuous improvement. As a holistic organizational policy, it must overpass the limits of the manufacturing function. Management accounting should be aligned to lean thinking, aiming to meet the demands and goals of a lean organization. This paper aims to investigate the degree of alignment between management accounting systems and LM practices. Design/methodology/approach: Two representative case studies were carried out in industry leaders in the implementation of LM, in Brazil. The key research constructs and were identified by means of a systematic literature review. The rhetoric and practice concerning the alignment between management accounting and LM are discussed based on the existing theory and the conducted case studies. Findings: The analysis showed that many of the principles that form the rhetoric of lean accounting are far from the accounting practices observed in the companies. Using the theory-building function of case studies, 10 propositions to be tested in future research are proposed. The main propositions are also summarized in a framework based on analogies with optical lenses. Originality/value: To the best of the knowledge, there are no previous in-depth studies focusing on characterizing this alignment between management accounting and LM practices. The analysis yields prescriptive directions for managers that seek to improve this alignment in their business. This study also proposes a five-stage maturity model, which can be used by the managers to assess this alignment and to set goals for reaching more advanced levels of maturity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Since the early 1990s, Brazil has adopted an experimental approach to environmental management. Its reforms continue to this day and have produced robust water-management policies. This article reveals the different positions, the power structures involved, and the result of the disputes and agreements concerning the social construction of legitimate environmental behaviour in jeans manufacturing. Design/methodology/approach: Comparative case study. Data collection for this research started in 2017 and ended in 2020. The data were gathered by concentrating on a few cases in two clusters. The author visited public agencies, trade associations, and firms of all sizes and levels of specialization in the industry and conducted semi-structured interviews with them. The intention was to acquire systemic and deep knowledge of the local industry. Findings: The article's findings demonstrate a divergence in typologies that reflects the ecological limits in the use of natural resources, law-enforcement policies, and firms' legal status. The article extends our understanding of the ability of organizations to respond to institutional pressures to become sustainable. This study's findings provide insights for policy design in times of increasingly catastrophic pollution in regions that are immersed in global competition. Research limitations/implications: The study focuses only on two industrial textile clusters in Brazil, which may not be representative of the wider industry in the country or in other regions. The findings may not be generalizable to other industries or locations with different ecological limits, legal frameworks, and firm structures. Practical implications: The article's practical implications include the need for tailored regulatory frameworks, effective law enforcement policies, promoting a culture of environmental responsibility among businesses, and collaboration among stakeholders in promoting sustainability. Policymakers, regulators, and businesses in industrial textile clusters in Brazil and other regions facing similar ecological and regulatory challenges can use these insights to develop more effective policies and practices that balance economic growth with environmental sustainability. Social implications: State actors emerge as the most important stakeholder group in forging the upgrading of water-management systems and technology. The optimal solution to the problem is cross-institutional and multilevel collaboration and coalitions between the different authorities and organizations involved who need to pay due attention to the relevant ecological limits and social needs. Only when this multilevel collaboration is achieved and maintained will the state's agents be able to collaborate with industrial actors and society at large. Originality/value: The article examines the various factors that influence water usage and analyses the dynamics of change in two distinct locations in an emerging market. It demonstrates that, despite the existence of the same regulatory framework in both locations, different outcomes can arise due to the construction of diverse coalitions between social actors. Peer review: The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-03-2023-0154 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The recent increase in the number of infections and mortality rates in many regions has emphasized the cyclical nature of this pandemic, with new variants emerging constantly. Understanding what has been done by efficient administrations to contain the outbreak is essential while new immunization developments for the new variants are not available. Design/methodology/approach: This work adapts the traditional Banker, Charnes and Cooper (BCC) Variable Returns to Scale model for including panel data on the Brazilian Federal Government spending over the first pandemic months in Pernambuco to identify efficient municipalities and conduct a benchmark on the best practices, reactions and implications that can serve as a guide for the post-Covid recurrence era. Findings: The results provide an interesting panorama of municipal response to the pandemic and some quantitative and qualitative prospects on potentials for improvements from the perspective of efficient and inefficient cities. Only one administration (São Bento do Una) was identified as efficient for the entire period. The authors' benchmark and discussion are focused on this municipality. Originality/value: The authors believe this work has two innovative components. The first is a robust and systematic methodology integrating the advances in testing convexity and returns to scale in the construction of a production frontier based on panel data. The second is a discussion on what drives efficiency (benchmarking of best practices) in addition to how to quantitatively attain such efficiency prospects. To the best of the authors' knowledge, both methodological and empirical implications are original to the present manuscript. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the potential for economic activities related to the ocean economy in Brazil to become blue economy (BE) activities, in which the concept of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is central. Design/methodology/approach: To achieve the aim, the authors collected information on the SDGs and estimated data from the ocean economy sectors for the 256 Brazilian coastal cities. The authors predicted the indices for potential development of territories and sectors in the BE using two parameters: employed persons (EP) and sectoral added value (AV). Findings: The results show that the capitals of coastal states present the highest potential indices for the BE, especially Rio de Janeiro, which accounted for 83.3% of sectoral added value in the Brazilian ocean economy with potential for sustainable development and generated 107,800 active formal jobs (26.9% of the country's total). In addition, restaurants, hotels and similar establishments are, on the Brazilian coast, the most frequent on the coastal zone and have the highest potential for BE activities. Originality/value: Regarding its contributions, this research innovates by developing an indicator that can help stakeholders understand the similarities and differences between cities and regions, whether through a social, economic, or environmental lens. Therefore, by following this methodological path for measuring the BE, viewing the distinct patterns of sustainable development by area is possible, thereby supporting action plans for the fulfillment of the 2030 Agenda and the implementation of a marine spatial planning process for the country in the context of the Ocean Decade (2021–2030). Peer review: The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-02-2023-0112 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Although the number of studies that investigate supply chain sustainability learning has increased, little is known about the way sub-suppliers build knowledge and learn sustainability practices. Thus, moving beyond merely investigating the accumulation of knowledge, this research explores sub-suppliers' knowing that supports the learning of sustainability practices in a multi-tiered food supply chain. Design/methodology/approach: In the conduct of this interpretive research in South Brazil, two ethnographies were completed during 74 days of observations to understand similarities and differences between certified and non-certified sub-suppliers with respect to sustainability practices. As part of our research conducted in the context of poultry production, secondary data and data gathered through semi-structured interviews with representatives of the buyer and first-tier supplier firms were used to provide a better comprehension of the multi-tiered supply chain context. Then, we executed an interpretive textual analysis. Findings: Our investigation explored six vignettes to reveal ways of learning sustainability practices in terms of waste management, biosecurity and animal welfare. Although the buyer firm requested these practices, we noted that the first-tier supplier was responsible for translating the practices to sub-suppliers. Moreover, we found that sustainability learning was shaped by the sub-supplier context embodied in knowledge through knowing. The ways of learning were related to sharing knowledge between experts and novices with the support of material practices; however, knowledge was also gained by unlearning some knowledge shared by the supplier. Sustainability practice learning, thus, was performed in a space of learning via knowledge creation among practitioners. Practical implications: Recognising how sustainability learning happens in a multi-tiered supply chain context can help managers to develop plans to implement sustainability practices that will broaden their sustainability knowledge. Originality/value: Unlike previous studies on supply chain sustainability learning, we reveal ways that sustainability practices emerge from knowledge that results from sub-suppliers' knowing. We also explain how unlearning can consciously occur in several situations of sustainability learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The article aimed to identify and analyze the income differences across the income distribution between homosexuals and heterosexuals by occupational groups in Brazil. Design/methodology/approach: PNAD-C microdata was used in two periods (2013–2015 and 2016 to 2019), highlighting the different economic, social and political contexts in Brazil. Recentered influence function and quantile income decomposition were estimated to verify the difference and income discrimination according to the guideline the worker's sexuality. Findings: For some cases homosexual workers earn more and in others, homosexuals earn less than heterosexuals. The differences in remuneration according to sexual orientation were smaller in positions that demand low qualification and competence. The quantile income decomposition between 2013 and 2015 revealed the positive effect of discrimination was the generator of income disparities between homosexuals and heterosexuals, with greater impact for the 10th and 90th quantiles and on groups that require small levels of complexity and education. Between 2016 and 2019, there was the presence of both effects, but the explained effect was the promoter of wage disparities in most occupational groups. Research limitations/implications: Given the dataset, it was only possible to work with proxies of homosexual couples. Originality/value: There has been little research linking the themes of discrimination based on sexual orientation and occupational groups, and so far, it does not exist similar in Latin America. This study found that sexual orientation influences remuneration according to the occupational group that the worker belongs to, affecting income and, consequently, occupational choice. This connection of issues will contribute to new insights into discrimination based on sexual orientation, as well as more effective public policies aimed at reducing discrimination against homosexuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study analyzes the competencies toward sustainability in hotel facilities in order to identify the level of implementation of sustainability practices, as well as individual competencies for sustainability in the hospitality companies. Design/methodology/approach: Interviews and a survey with hotel employees were conducted in two important touristic Brazilian cities, Florianopolis, and Rio de Janeiro, considering the TBL (triple bottom line) dimensions. The data were analyzed with content analysis and descriptive statistics and conjoint analysis. Findings: Preventive competencies in the companies' management were identified. The research also revealed that competencies for sustainability are fairly present in the hospitality context yet, which demonstrates the urgency to discuss the theme in both academic and business practices. Research limitations/implications: The access to the hotel managers impaired the performing of a robust statistical analysis; the study provided new insights about the topics investigated and generated information for the theoretical framework about competencies for sustainability. Practical implications: The research results emphasized the need for the hotel industry to invest in sustainable strategies to meet its target audience, but also to raise the level of its staff and reduce costs in the long term, offering benefits to society, the environment, and, to their businesses. Social implications: The research socially contributes through promoting discussion on sustainability, which is one of the most challenging and relevant issues for society. Besides, it can assist the diffusion of the competencies for sustainability in the hotel industry, as an attempt to decrease their negative externalities on the environment and primary audiences. Originality/value: It was identified a distance between practice and the triple bottom line concept, which is linked only to environmental practices. Besides, it was found limited knowledge about the concepts of competencies in the companies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: E-commerce has experienced huge growth in emerging countries, but analysis of service failure/recovery for online retailers has been limited in this context. Hence, this study aims to investigate customers' reactions to service failures in e-commerce and the influence of cultural dimensions on complaint intentions. Design/methodology/approach: A survey was conducted with 553 customers from Brazil, India and China. A model was proposed and tested using structural equation modeling. Findings: Results indicate that satisfaction with service recovery (SSR) increases repurchase intentions and reduces third-party complaints and negative word-of-mouth. This study also shows that the reactions of consumers to service failures in online situations are influenced by their cultural orientation (i.e. individualism, uncertainty avoidance and power distance) and contingent factors (i.e. relationship level, switching costs and the severity of the failure). Originality/value: This study shows that the extent to which consumers from emerging countries complain after a service failure in online purchases will depend on their cultural orientation, previous experiences with the retailer, switching costs and the severity of the failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Driven by scientific and technological intensification, Brazilian agribusinesses are among the main food producers and exporters worldwide. Knowledge management contributes to the development of agribusinesses. The objective of this study is to analyze knowledge management practices in the supply chain of broilers at the level of farmers and compare the differences between farmers who are members of cooperatives, and those who are suppliers of firms. Design/methodology/approach: Using data from a sample of broiler farmers (n = 240, where 80 respondents are associated with cooperatives) from Brazil, descriptive statistics were used to measure the four knowledge management dimensions (leadership, people, process and technology). The Mann–Whitney test was performed to verify the difference in the adoption of knowledge management practices between farmers who are members of cooperatives, and those who are suppliers of firms. Findings: The results showed significant differences between the analyzed groups of broiler farmers that are members of an agricultural cooperative and suppliers of firms. Farmers who supply firms adopt knowledge management practices with greater intensity. They are also more technified and have a larger scale of production. Research limitations/implications: The study was conducted in a single agribusiness chain. Future studies may look at another method of knowledge management assessment to see if the results will be similar. Practical implications: The results can contribute to the development of programs and policies, incorporating knowledge management into agribusiness as a competitive strategy. Originality/value: While knowledge management is a widely studied topic, there has been little focus on this subject with regard to agribusiness. Empirical findings of an important agribusiness supply chain are provided and show the differences in knowledge management perceptions between farmers who are members of cooperatives and those who are suppliers of firms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Brazil is struggling as the unemployment rate is 12.4% and nearly 13m people are unemployed. The fourth Industrial Revolution is advancing, and the country needs to consider how it will impact the labor market. This work explores the impact of automation on the Brazilian workforce to supply decision-makers with information about the subject. Design/methodology/approach: The authors converted the probability of computerization from the seminal work of Frey and Osborne to each of the more than 2,500 occupations in Brazil. They then crossed the automation probability with socioeconomic information about workers and companies available in the Brazilian Ministry of Labor Database. Findings: In total, 60% of employment in Brazil is expected to be highly impacted by automation in the coming decades, with eight out of the ten occupations with the biggest workforce being highly automatable. Automation probability decreases as workers' education level increases, with the most significant difference between workers with higher education and those without it. The results show other inequalities in the impact of automation: the higher the wage, the lower the automation probability of occupations; the bigger the company, the lower the automation index; and workers from 16 to 24 years old have considerably higher chances of being automated. Originality/value: This work is the first to study, in the context of the fourth Industrial Revolution, the impact of automation in Brazil with a socioeconomic analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]