摘要：The effective measurement of transactions costs constitutes a theoretical gap, toward which research agenda has been directed. It is, however, a difficult task, given the involved complexity - amplitude of concepts, definition of the analytical cut, synergic effect among transaction costs, production costs and the institutional environment. From this assumption it emerges the possibility of applying the Measurement Cost Theory, developed by Yoram Barzel, in order to identify governance mechanisms in productive systems. The Measurement Cost Theory, as long as considers as a variable key of analysis the possibility of measuring transacted attributes, confers simplicity and applicability to the study of organizations. In other words, the identification of mechanisms of coordination, instead of being based on assets specificity, as proclaimed by the Transaction Costs Economics, becomes, from the Measurement Costs theory more operational and flexible. Considering the interest for understanding the coordination mechanisms in agri-food systems, the empirical validation of this alternative theoretical approach could be identified as an opportunity of research. It can also be foreseen interdependence between these two frameworks.
