Methodology for the identification of the flows of information: The case of coopernatuz of osasco

Abstract

The article presents results of the application of a Methodology for the Identification of the Flows of Information in a solid waste cooperative located in the city of Osasco (state of São Paulo, Brazil) that sorts and sells recyclable materials. Coopernatuzis part of a Public Policy Program called “Osasco Solidária”, which is a pioneer experiment consisting of a public incubator that assists cooperatives by providing technical and administrative consultancy as well as theoretical training on topics concerningthe Solidarity Economy. The article discusses the mapping of the Cooperative’s activities and explains the context of the information flows. The application of that methodology focused on understanding the flows of information, which value the knowledge acquired by people through practice, techniques and skills. This was done through a case study and field research that consisted of observing the Cooperative’swork and of interviews with members of it. The application of the Methodology for the Identification of Information Flows showed how the members relateinside and outside the Cooperative, includingthe activities of its leaders and four working teams.The mapping of the information flows makes it possibleto see problems in the Cooperative’s administration and in the division of its production, servingas material for possible changes in its activities. Since the Cooperative is a successful experiment in many respects, this work can contribute important elements for further analysis.

Key words: cooperatives, collectors, Solidarity Economy, public policy, Methodology for the Identification of the Flows of Information.