The inter-organizational cooperation (IOC) is based on the use of consensual ways to seek a common goal. It requires a strategic vision of organizations to enable purchases and allocate resources to improve the performance and create learning. In addition, IOC may be able to pool resources, skills and values looking for maintaining competitiveness. The organizations must develop ‘Relational Capabilities’ (RC) for their cooperative success. Such skills are learning, involving structural interaction, development of specific assets and cooperative behavior. Authors present a typology of dimensions and characteristics to understanding the construct. From these aspects, the research proposes a theoretical framework for understanding and allowing the assessment of the RC construct, in the IOC. To elaborate it, the studies mentioned above were regrouped by similarities, in the pursuit of joint and complementary, to develop a new framework of components from the dimensions proposed. The results were five dimensions: coordination, cultural, knowledge, technology and coadaptation, which were formed by components. It is possible to believe that the evaluation of RC in inter-organizational relationships can identify factors that influence the success of alliances that should be improved or developed by empirical disclosure of the results. Therefore, the partnership objectives are met as full as possible.

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This paper aims to characterise the relational capabilities present in the supply chain (SC) for 100% based on soybean oil biofuel usage, in the public transportation system (PTS) of Curitiba. Supply chain and relational capabilities constructs are used as theoretical foundation and a unique case study comprising the total chain of the biodiesel usage in the PTS was conducted. Data were collected from non-structured interviews with members of the upstream of the supply chain and were analysed under the perspective of each dimension and/or components of relational capabilities identified in the case. Empirical evidence from the total analysed supply chain contributes to the literature by analysing this issue from the perspective of relational capacities. The need for partners of an SC to coordinate activities, development of synergy amongst them and usage of knowledge and skills from previous experiences, demanding a joint learning consists in practical implications of this study.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze the commitment to a corporate social responsibility (CSR) practice developed by Company of Urbanization of Curitiba S/A – URBS, located in Curitiba (Paraná), Brazil. The paper observes the CSR practice developed by the company. Design/methodology/approach A descriptive study that used a qualitative approach was held. The research strategy of the research used consisted of a case study. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews, documental analysis and direct observation. These data were further analyzed through the content analysis’ perspective. Findings The organization in question, even without obligation, develops a CSR project that contributes to the formation and awareness of young citizens, comprising ethical, voluntary, economical and legal responsibilities. Research limitations/implications Because of the fact that this is a single case study, the results cannot be generalized, representing only the reality of this case. Practical implications The practical implications of this study lies in the attention toward training of students of public schools, especially in aspects of buses and services usage and care for public equity, factors that even contribute to citizenship and the formation of better people and professionals. This will, in the future, contribute to form citizens that are more aware and who will tend to contribute to adequate usage of the transportation system as a whole, resulting in savings for the organization. Social implications The project analyzed in this study contributes to the formation of better citizens regarding the respect and ethical responsibilities they develop toward the public transportation system. Originality/value This paper demonstrates the commitment to a CSC practice made by a mixed-economy organization that develops this practice to contribute to the formation of citizens of the city. The value of this paper lies in the fact that it shows how CSR practices can be aligned with other practices of organizations, contributing to all stakeholders involved in it.

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