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Abstract
This work examined the existence of plural forms in the transaction between slaughterhouses and beef
cattle farmers, analyzing the determinants of companies’ choice of governance structures. Three slaughterhouses
were studied, using the literature of plural forms of governance as theoretical
framework. It was found that only
one of the slaughterhouses adopts plural forms to coordinate their beef cattle purchase transactions, and the other
two companies obtained all of their live cattle supply through spot market trades. The determinants of plural forms
adoption were aligned with the theoretical model. Ambiguity, complexity and strategic behavior variables determine
the choice of the governance structure. For the other two companies, we noted little or no ambiguity and complexity
in the transactions, and the absence of strategic motivations for the use of plural forms. Principal advantages of this
strategy of coordination were: (i) reduction of information asymmetry; (ii) advantages of scale and greater bargaining
power in the spot market; (iii) flexibility to supply different distribution channels and (iv) cross-learning effects.