High-growth firms and scale-ups: a review and research agenda

Purpose – This paper aims to conduct an extensive review and advances a framework for the literature of high-growth firms (HGFs) and scale-ups. Design/methodology/approach – This paper takes the form of a literature review. Findings – The author makes three specific contributions. First, he presents a broad review of high growth in firms, shedding light on the different levels of analysis. Second, he advances a characterization of scale-up companies to enable a better basis for discussion. Finally, he identifies gaps in the existing literature and suggest paths for future research. Originality/value – The interest in HGFs and those referred to as scale-ups has increased considerably in recent years. Despite this trend, existing studies still have conceptual divergences and a gap separating theoretical inputs from the actual experiences of entrepreneurs

Firm performance and the strategic components of bankruptcy reorganization plans

We investigate the influence of bankruptcy reorganization plans on the recovery of distressed firms. Using qualitative comparative analysis (QCA), specifically, we perform an in-depth investigation of a set of reorganization plans submitted by publicly traded companies in Brazil. We find that the improvement in firm performance is positively related to a good diagnosis of the factors causing the crisis, a clear definition of the firm’s resources, and a clear identification of the firm’s competitive strengths. We also find that the absence of a good industry analysis is a critical condition for a reorganization plan to fail. However, the explicit mentioning of the firm’s relevant market is negatively associated with the company’s uplifting in crisis. We discuss the theoretical and managerial implications of these findings

ESG: disentangling the governance pillar

This article is a perspective paper that provides a critical assessment of ESG's governance pillar. Specifically, we reflect on the implications of considering "governance" from a broader perspective, which combines corporate governance and the analysis of the governance mechanisms used by firms in the search for greater sustainability. We argue that such an enlarged panorama generates new discussions for the transition to more sustainable production and consumption systems. We also raise the question about the potential limitations of looking exclusively at governance efficiency as the basis for an effective discussion on ESG

ESG: disentangling the governance pillar

This article is a perspective paper that provides a critical assessment of ESG's governance pillar. Specifically, we reflect on the implications of considering "governance" from a broader perspective, which combines corporate governance and the analysis of the governance mechanisms used by firms in the search for greater sustainability. We argue that such an enlarged panorama generates new discussions for the transition to more sustainable production and consumption systems. We also raise the question about the potential limitations of looking exclusively at governance efficiency as the basis for an effective discussion on ESG

The role of empirical research in the study of complex forms of governance in agroindustrial systems

The growing complexity of supply chains poses new challenges for Agricultural Research Centers and statistical agencies. The aim of this perspective paper is to discuss the role of empirical research in understanding the complex forms of governance in agribusiness. The authors argue that there are three fundamental levels of analysis: (i) the basic structure of the market, (ii) the formal contractual arrangements that govern relations within the agroindustrial system and (iii) the transactional dimensions governed by non-contractual means. The case of the agrochemical industry in Brazil illustrates how traditional analyses that only address market structure are insufficient to fully explain the agricultural sector and its supply chain. The article concludes by suggesting some indicators which could be collected by statistical agencies to improve understanding of the complex relationships among agribusiness segments. In doing so, the paper seeks to minimize costs and to enable a better formulation of public and private policies

Circular agri-food systems : a governance perspective for the analysis of sustainable agri-food value chains

Different organizational arrangements have supported the adoption of sustainable-oriented innovations (SOIs) in the agri-food industry. However, despite the promises of SOIs, diffusion has been slow. We claim that the gap between the creation and diffusion of SOIs is due to the neglect of the governance dimension of sustainable agri-food value chains. This study contributes to bridging this gap by providing a theoretical framework that disentangles the governance elements of circular agri-food systems. After discussing the organizational logic of linear systems, we outline five propositions that shed light on different governance aspects related to the establishment and stability of circular agri-food systems: (i) complementarities, (ii) interdependencies, (iii) the role of a leading organization, (iv) the role of a bridging organization, and (v) the influence of technology. We argue that circularization should only occur if the potential benefits of the adoption of SOIs are higher than the overall production costs and the costs of designing an organizational architecture compared with other feasible agri-food systems configurations, whether linear or circular. Governance costs might explain why the diffusion of SOIs is often slower than predicted by scholars, entrepreneurs, and policymakers

Scientific report / 2012 Pre-ICN Forum on Competition and Development : The State as a Market Player or a Market-Power Broker?

Meeting: 2012 Pre-ICN Forum on Competition and Development : The State as a Market Player or a Market-Power Broker?, April 17 2012, Rio de Janeiro, BrazilThe Forum focused on the theme: the State as a Market Player or a Market-Power Broker? The goal of this day-long meeting was to provide a forum where authorities, practitioners and academic experts could gather together to discuss the incidence and assess the antitrust impacts of direct state involvement in the business world..

The Role of Empirical Research in the Study of Complex Forms of Governance in Agroindustrial Systems

The growing complexity of supply chains poses new challenges for Agricultural Research Centers and statistical agencies. The aim of this perspective paper is to discuss the role of empirical research in understanding the complex forms of governance in agribusiness. The authors argue that there are three fundamental levels of analysis: (i) the basic structure of the market, (ii) the formal contractual arrangements that govern relations within the agroindustrial system and (iii) the transactional dimensions governed by non-contractual means. The case of the agrochemical industry in Brazil illustrates how traditional analyses that only address market structure are insufficient to fully explain the agricultural sector and its supply chain. The article concludes by suggesting some indicators which could be collected by statistical agencies to improve understanding of the complex relationships among agribusiness segments. In doing so, the paper seeks to minimize costs and to enable a better formulation of public and private policies

The Role of Empirical Research in the Study of Complex Forms of Governance in Agroindustrial Systems

The growing complexity of supply chains poses new challenges for Agricultural Research Centers and statistical agencies. The aim of this perspective paper is to discuss the role of empirical research in understanding the complex forms of governance in agribusiness. The authors argue that there are three fundamental levels of analysis: (i) the basic structure of the market, (ii) the formal contractual arrangements that govern relations within the agroindustrial system and (iii) the transactional dimensions governed by non-contractual means. The case of the agrochemical industry in Brazil illustrates how traditional analyses that only address market structure are insufficient to fully explain the agricultural sector and its supply chain. The article concludes by suggesting some indicators which could be collected by statistical agencies to improve understanding of the complex relationships among agribusiness segments. In doing so, the paper seeks to minimize costs and to enable a better formulation of public and private policies