O perfil de competências da mulher gestora em agroindústrias familiares de Mato Grosso do Sul

Abstract

Brazilian agribusiness has experienced significant growth, expanding food supply, creating industries, and generating employment and income. It is estimated that approximately half of the food produced worldwide involves female participation, which in agribusiness is concentrated primarily in agro-industries. Family-run agro-industries play a crucial role in food production, with women occupying central positions. This study investigated the competencies present in the professional profile of women managing family agroindustries in Mato Grosso do Sul. Based on a qualitative approach, ten semistructured interviews were conducted with active managers in the state, selected through contacts obtained at fairs and events related to family farming and rural tourism, as well as snowball sampling until theoretical saturation was reached. Data were collected between February and March 2025 using in-person meetings, video calls, and voice calls. Data analysis followed the principles of Grounded Theory, with open and axial coding, supported by ATLAS.ti software. The results indicate that management is predominantly collaborative and adaptive, with a strategic division of responsibilities and involvement of multiple generations, requiring skills in dialogue, negotiation, and flexibility. The managers’ trajectories highlight the importance of training provided by public institutions and government programs, traditional knowledge, practical experience, support networks, and self-directed learning strategies. The professional profile is characterized by entrepreneurial competence, strategic vision, assertive communication, leadership, resilience, networking, innovation, ethics, people management, and emotional intelligence, composing a multifaceted and adaptive profile with decision-making and people-management practices tailored to the family context.