Estudo do fluxo de conhecimento entre atores da cadeia produtiva da maçã

Abstract

Organizations depend on timely and effective knowledge flow to enhance their skills and execution of activities. Studies on the knowledge flow - moving process knowledge from a sender to a receiver - are considered essential, knowledge is not seen to be evenly distributed among individuals. Understanding how knowledge is characterized and spatialized allows to be elaborate actions to stimulate the level and knowledge sharing among the actors involved. Thus, we propose the following research objective: Analyze the knowledge flow between actors of the production chain of Apple in Campos de Cima da Serra. The methodology adopted in the research assumed a exploratory and descriptive in character with a quantitative approach. The study included 41 members of the Production Chain apple dos Campos de Cima da Serra, randomly selected based on the list of associates of AGAPOMI (Gaucho Association of Apple Producers). Data collection occurred through the application of a structured questionnaire. Following, proceeded to the quantification of data, which were analyzed using descriptive statistics and flows quantified by applying the proposed by Huang, Wei and Chang (2007) model. For georeferencing of actors, was used Google Maps to obtain the geographic coordinates and construct maps was taken by TerraView 4.2.2 software. Among the main results, it was found that the predominant expertise in the chain is the tacit kind, whose producers are the largest holders of this knowledge. Furthermore, through this study, we found that personal contact is the main form of knowledge sharing in productive chain of apple, addition to identifying the lack of communication, participation and cooperation between stakeholders is highlighted as the main barrier to the efficient flow. Also it was found that the flow occurs mainly among actors located geographically close. Thus, it is concluded that the analysis and mapping knowledge flows can help in understanding its behavior in a given context, allowing diagnose and exploring various strategic alternatives for the in productive chain of apple seeking effecting the flow of knowledge between actors and thus positively affecting their performance.