Investigating the relationship between coordination mechanisms and knowledge in wine firms

Purpose - The main aim of the paper is to explore the relationship between the coordination mechanisms and the processes of managing knowledge in the wine industry, adopting "micro view" and focusing on the "organization-level". Design/methodology/approach - The study is based on empirical evidence collected at firm level in a an Italian wine local system (Sannio area - Campania Region). The analysis is based on a quali/quantitative investigation: after a preliminary study of the sector conducted on the wine industry of Sannio, we have analyzed a detailed and explorative case study. Originality/value - The investigation has highlighted a link between coordination mechanisms and knowledge characteristics and attributes partially in contrast to the contingency approach. According to such a framework, often applied in literature, the relationships between these variables are interpreted based on a deterministic causality that instead eludes the evidence raised by an application based on the grounded approach. Practical implications - This study offers some insights in the wine sector, trying to clarify which are the key knowledge areas and which mechanisms could be used to manage knowledge inside an organization who operates in this market.