Social representations of power in trade employer associations

Abstract

Trading is one of the most important economic activities in the country, and this sector accounts for 67% of the national GDP. The goal of this study is to analyze the power representations in trade employer associations in the west of Santa Catarina. This research uses an interpretative paradigm, which sees the reality as being built from interpretations of the reality by people in the social contexts in which it occurs. The phenomenological research method was used, with a qualitative approach of a descriptive and exploratory nature. Interviews with a semi-structured script were used as the collection technique, and discourse analysis was used to analyze the data. The research used a social and political approach, and the power relations established were revealed based on the different statements analyzed. The social representations revealed by the respondents compose their life stories and can provide support for reflection on the theme, as well contributing to the field of knowledge of organizations.