Organizational Structure: Study in a Rural Family Business Using the Three-Dimensional Development Model - MDT

Abstract

Reconciling the strength of Brazilian agribusiness, globally recognized as the largest producer of commodities with the challenge of managing a family-run rural company is the challenge proposed in this study. Thus, this work aimed to diagnose the organizational structure of a rural family company, classifying it according to the Three-Dimensional Development Model - MDT, proposed by Gersik et al. (1997). The methodological set comprised the use of interviews with a semi-structured script, non-participant observation and documentary research, notably in the financial records. The numerical data were tabulated and systematized using an Excel® spreadsheet. Results showed an organizational structure classified as “Entrepreneurial Organization”. As for the classification in the Three-dimensional Development Model, the project is in the 'Controlling Owner' phase in the 'Property' axis; 'Expansion / Formalization' on the 'Company' axis. In the 'Family' axis, it presents a transition process from 'Entering the Company' to 'Joint Work'.