Institutional differentiation in the certification of organic products: a comparison of the Participatory Conformity Assessment Bodies in the state of Rio Grande do Sul

Abstract: This article analyzes the factors of institutional differentiation in the processes of participatory certification of organic products. The research conducted with the participatory conformity assessment bodies (OPACs) in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, initially aimed to answer whether they were converging to similar organizational structures and strategies. The initial hypothesis suggested the isomorphism of these organizations due to coercive, normative and mimetic institutional pressures. However, due to the rejection of the initial hypothesis, it sought to identify the factors that produce institutional differentiation. Normative instruments that regulate organic certification, OPACs’ internal management documents, transcripts of individual and collective interviews with stakeholders, and notes issues from the observations of meetings and certification procedures were examined. Results demonstrate decoupling processes driven by three main factors: ambiguity and heterogeneity of the institutional environment, resistance of the actors to isomorphic pressures, and internal power dynamics related to the format of social participation in each OPAC.