IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jsusta/v11y2019i10p2921-d233541.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

The Social Fabric of Cheese Agroindustry: Cooperation and Competition Aspects

Author

Listed:
  • María Camila Rendón-Rendón

    (Doctorado en Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Xochimilco, Calzada del Hueso 1100, C.P. 04960 Ciudad de México, México)

  • Juan Felipe Núñez Espinoza

    (Especialidad de Posgrado en Estudios del Desarrollo Rural, Colegio de Postgraduados Campus Montecillo, km 36.5 carretera México, Texcoco, C.P. 56230 Texcoco, México)

  • Ramón Soriano-Robles

    (Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción, Área de investigación en Reproducción Animal Asistida, Laboratorio de Recursos Socioambientales y Sustentabilidad, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Iztapalapa, San Rafael Atlixco 186, C.P. 09340 Ciudad de México, México)

  • Valentín Efrén Espinosa Ortiz

    (Departamento de Economía, Administración y Desarrollo Rural, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 3000, C.P. 04510 Ciudad de México, México)

  • Luis Manuel Chávez Pérez

    (Departamento de Economía, Administración y Desarrollo Rural, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 3000, C.P. 04510 Ciudad de México, México)

  • Randy Alexis Jiménez-Jiménez

    (Departamento de Economía, Administración y Desarrollo Rural, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 3000, C.P. 04510 Ciudad de México, México)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the relational social structure of the cheese factories based on an agribusiness territory of Mexico through social network analysis (SNA) in order to understand how different types of agroindustries coexist and endure. Participant observation and semi-structured interviews were carried out in 17 cheese agribusinesses located in the area of San José de Gracia, Michoacán (Mexico), in order to get insight into the family, inter-company, commercial and technical ties they have built. The SNA showed that in the community there is a meso-system where different cheese companies that produce either natural, imitation or both cheeses converge and coexist. These agroindustries make up a complex social structure composed of 1717 actors, comprising a dispersed network with low connectivity (density ˂0.5%) due to the commercial nature of the relationships (95.9%). Simultaneously, an underlying network with a higher density (1.73%) was also evident, enriched by kinship and friendship ties that create cooperation and trust among the parties through 136 reciprocal tangible and intangible exchanges. Despite the differences and asymmetries of cheese agribusinesses in this community, the social structure they form behaves like a ‘local neighborhood’ where everyone knows everyone, and everyone coexists, competes and shares with one another, allowing them to be sustainable in the marketplace. This study provides important lessons for institutions that promote competitiveness and local development, because it shows that in order to achieve sustainability of agroindustrial companies, it is important to recognize and promote long-term social structures based on trust, friendship and reciprocity.

Suggested Citation

  • María Camila Rendón-Rendón & Juan Felipe Núñez Espinoza & Ramón Soriano-Robles & Valentín Efrén Espinosa Ortiz & Luis Manuel Chávez Pérez & Randy Alexis Jiménez-Jiménez, 2019. "The Social Fabric of Cheese Agroindustry: Cooperation and Competition Aspects," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(10), pages 1-18, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:10:p:2921-:d:233541
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/11/10/2921/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/11/10/2921/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ghodsypour, S. H. & O'Brien, C., 1998. "A decision support system for supplier selection using an integrated analytic hierarchy process and linear programming," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 56(1), pages 199-212, September.
    2. Kaganzi, Elly & Ferris, Shaun & Barham, James & Abenakyo, Annet & Sanginga, Pascal & Njuki, Jemimah, 2009. "Sustaining linkages to high value markets through collective action in Uganda," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 34(1), pages 23-30, February.
    3. Michael E. Porter, 2000. "Location, Competition, and Economic Development: Local Clusters in a Global Economy," Economic Development Quarterly, , vol. 14(1), pages 15-34, February.
    4. Harvey, David, 2007. "A Brief History of Neoliberalism," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780199283279.
    5. Elder, Sara D. & Zerriffi, Hisham & Le Billon, Philippe, 2012. "Effects of Fair Trade Certification on Social Capital: The Case of Rwandan Coffee Producers," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 40(11), pages 2355-2367.
    6. Dowlatshahi, S., 2000. "Designer-buyer-supplier interface: Theory versus practice," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 63(2), pages 111-130, January.
    7. Reardon, Thomas & Barrett, Christopher B., 2000. "Agroindustrialization, globalization, and international development: An overview of issues, patterns, and determinants," Agricultural Economics, Blackwell, vol. 23(3), pages 195-205, September.
    8. Claudia Fuentes & Gabriela Dutrénit, 2016. "Geographic proximity and university–industry interaction: the case of Mexico," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 41(2), pages 329-348, April.
    9. Morrow, J.L., Jr. & Joyce, Richard Patrick, III & McMahon, William J. & DeMaia, Antonio M. & McVicker, S. Caleb & Parsons, Ashley E. & Wilcox, Kristin, 2017. "Cooperation among Ugandan farmers: cultivating social capital," International Food and Agribusiness Management Review, International Food and Agribusiness Management Association, vol. 20(5).
    10. Geldes, Cristian & Felzensztein, Christian & Turkina, Ekaterina & Durand, Aurélia, 2015. "How does proximity affect interfirm marketing cooperation? A study of an agribusiness cluster," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 68(2), pages 263-272.
    11. Aradom Gebrekidan Abbay & Roel Rutten & Hossein Azadi & Frank Witlox, 2018. "How Social Status Contributes to Sustainable Livelihoods? An Empirical Analysis in Ethiopia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(1), pages 1-24, December.
    12. Stephen P. Borgatti & Daniel S. Halgin, 2011. "On Network Theory," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 22(5), pages 1168-1181, October.
    13. Debackere, Koenraad & Veugelers, Reinhilde, 2005. "The role of academic technology transfer organizations in improving industry science links," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 34(3), pages 321-342, April.
    14. Crespo, Joan & Réquier-Desjardins, Denis & Vicente, Jérôme, 2014. "Why can collective action fail in Local Agri-food Systems? A social network analysis of cheese producers in Aculco, Mexico," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 46(C), pages 165-177.
    15. Frank Hartwich & Carlos Negro, 2010. "The role of collaborative partnerships in industry innovation: lessons from New Zealand's dairy sector," Agribusiness, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 26(3), pages 425-449.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    Cited by:

    1. Susana B. Guerrero-Ocampo & José M. Díaz-Puente, 2023. "Social Network Analysis Uses and Contributions to Innovation Initiatives in Rural Areas: A Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(18), pages 1-18, September.

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Mikaela Backman & Charlie Karlsson, 2016. "Determinants of self-employment among commuters and non-commuters," Papers in Regional Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 95(4), pages 755-774, November.
    2. Ivan S. Adolwa & Stefan Schwarze & Imogen Bellwood-Howard & Nikolaus Schareika & Andreas Buerkert, 2017. "A comparative analysis of agricultural knowledge and innovation systems in Kenya and Ghana: sustainable agricultural intensification in the rural–urban interface," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 34(2), pages 453-472, June.
    3. Lichtenthaler, Ulrich, 2010. "Determinants of proactive and reactive technology licensing: A contingency perspective," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 39(1), pages 55-66, February.
    4. Chen, Chen-Tung & Lin, Ching-Torng & Huang, Sue-Fn, 2006. "A fuzzy approach for supplier evaluation and selection in supply chain management," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 102(2), pages 289-301, August.
    5. Brache, Jose & Felzensztein, Christian, 2019. "Geographical co-location on Chilean SME's export performance," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 105(C), pages 310-321.
    6. Kawtummachai, Ruengsak & Van Hop, Nguyen, 2005. "Order allocation in a multiple-supplier environment," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 93(1), pages 231-238, January.
    7. Isabel Diez-Vial & Angeles Montoro-Sanchez, 2017. "Research evolution in science parks and incubators: foundations and new trends," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 110(3), pages 1243-1272, March.
    8. Xiyao Xiang & Wei-Chiao Huang, 2019. "Does Distance Affect the Role of Nonlocal Subsidiaries on Cluster Firms’ Innovation? An Empirical Investigation on Chinese Biotechnology Cluster Firms," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(23), pages 1-18, November.
    9. Igors Skute & Kasia Zalewska-Kurek & Isabella Hatak & Petra Weerd-Nederhof, 2019. "Mapping the field: a bibliometric analysis of the literature on university–industry collaborations," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 44(3), pages 916-947, June.
    10. Morrow, J.L., Jr. & Joyce, Richard Patrick, III & McMahon, William J. & DeMaia, Antonio M. & McVicker, S. Caleb & Parsons, Ashley E. & Wilcox, Kristin, 2017. "Cooperation among Ugandan farmers: cultivating social capital," International Food and Agribusiness Management Review, International Food and Agribusiness Management Association, vol. 20(5).
    11. Lascaux, Alexander, 2019. "Absorptive Capacity, Research Output Sharing, and Research Output Capture in University-Industry Partnerships," Scandinavian Journal of Management, Elsevier, vol. 35(3).
    12. Imbert, Enrica & Morone, Piergiuseppe & Bigi, Francesca, 2016. "Assessing the potential of social enterprises through social network analysis: Evidence from Albania," MPRA Paper 78115, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    13. Anastasia A. Seferiadis & Sarah Cummings & Marjolein B.M. Zweekhorst & Joske F.G. Bunders, 2015. "Producing social capital as a development strategy: Implications at the micro-level," Progress in Development Studies, , vol. 15(2), pages 170-185, April.
    14. Michael E. Cummings & Alan Gamlen, 2019. "Diaspora engagement institutions and venture investment activity in developing countries," Journal of International Business Policy, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 2(4), pages 289-313, December.
    15. Anthony J. Evans, 2016. "The unintended consequences of easy money: How access to finance impedes entrepreneurship," The Review of Austrian Economics, Springer;Society for the Development of Austrian Economics, vol. 29(3), pages 233-252, September.
    16. George A. Erickcek & Hannah McKinney, 2004. "Small Cities Blues: Looking for Growth Factors in Small and Medium-Sized Cities," Upjohn Working Papers 04-100, W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research.
    17. Scott, James & Ho, William & Dey, Prasanta K. & Talluri, Srinivas, 2015. "A decision support system for supplier selection and order allocation in stochastic, multi-stakeholder and multi-criteria environments," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 166(C), pages 226-237.
    18. Howard Stein, 2012. "The Neoliberal Policy Paradigm and the Great Recession," Panoeconomicus, Savez ekonomista Vojvodine, Novi Sad, Serbia, vol. 59(4), pages 421-440, September.
    19. Ventura, José A. & Bunn, Kevin A. & Venegas, Bárbara B. & Duan, Lisha, 2021. "A coordination mechanism for supplier selection and order quantity allocation with price-sensitive demand and finite production rates," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 233(C).
    20. Battaglia, Daniele & Landoni, Paolo & Rizzitelli, Francesco, 2017. "Organizational structures for external growth of University Technology Transfer Offices: An explorative analysis," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 123(C), pages 45-56.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:10:p:2921-:d:233541. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.