A RELA O ENTRE AMBIENTE ORGANIZACIONAL E IMITA O ENTRE EMPRESAS

This paper aims to analyze the relationship between the organizational- environment features and the imitation among firms in the Brazilian biotechnology industry. It was utilized the strategy of multiple case study. It was researched two companies selected by convenience among the associates from Brazilian Association of Biotechnology Companies- ABRABI. In each company it was performed interviews with keyexecutives. The questionnaire for interviews was based on previous works. Interviews were recorded and transcribed and the data analysis was made by the categorical thematic content analysis technique with categories defined a priori.Cases were individually and crosslly analyzed, aiming to characterize the constructs of interest and theirrelationship. Among main results, it is noteworthy that the sector ismunificent and provides many opportunities, although their exploitation is restricted by the delay in the authorization process by Brazilian regulatory agencies of new - product releases or current- manufacturing - process adaptations. This fact creates environmental hostility, stimulating the imitation among companies. Inthe perception of managers, preferred ways for protecting againstimitation encompass continuous improvement of productive processes andproducts, industrial secrecy and partners’ restricted access.