This work identified the management aspects of the decision making process of farmers in the Northern Region of Espirito Santo, Brazil, in 2006. Using a psychological approach, this study showed its importance in understanding farm management. The management styles and personal characteristics of the farmers and their farms were identified. The main areas of interest in management capacity improvement were also defined. This study found that family welfare is the main concern of decision makers in the Northern region of Espirito Santo, Brazil. Regarding management styles, four main styles were identified. Most of the farmers were interested in improving their management capacity through managerial training, especially the younger ones, preferably in courses given by specialists which include technical issues as well as managerial aspects such as planning. In this study it was concluded that management capacity components may provide an important support in investigating issues related to decision making.