How to assess the intellectual capital of firms in uncertain times: a systematic literature review and a proposed model for practical adoption

Abstract

PurposeIntellectual capital (IC) plays a crucial role in today’s volatile business landscape, yet its measurement remains complex. To better navigate these challenges, the authors propose the Integrated Intellectual Capital Measurement (IICM) model, an innovative, robust and comprehensive framework designed to capture IC amid business uncertainty. This study focuses on IC measurement models, typically reliant on secondary data, thus distinguishing it from conventional IC studies.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted a systematic literature review (SLR) and bibliometric analysis across Web of Science, Scopus and EBSCO Business Source Ultimate in February 2023. This yielded 2,709 IC measurement studies, from which the authors selected 27 quantitative papers published from 1985 to 2023.FindingsThe analysis revealed no single, universally accepted approach for measuring IC, with company attributes such as size, industry and location significantly influencing IC measurement methods. A key finding is human capital’s critical yet underrepresented role in firm competitiveness, which the IICM model aims to elevate.Originality/valueThis is the first SLR focused on IC measurement amid business uncertainty, providing insights for better management and navigating turbulence. The authors envisage future research exploring the interplay between IC components, technology, innovation and network-building strategies for business resilience. Additionally, there is a need to understand better the IC’s impact on specific industries (automotive, transportation and hospitality), Social Development Goals and digital transformation performance.

Exploring team collaboration in the metaverse from a human capital perspective

“…its employees' knowledge and skills) that are used to design and execute organizational processes (e.g. Schultz, 1961;W€ oßmann, 2003;Cosa et al, 2023). To build human capital, organizations strive to attract and develop the best individual talent (e.g.…”

“…First, a large stream of research has discussed various mechanisms for developing human capital, continuously searching for more effective strategies to address the evolving needs of organizations (e.g. Hatch and Dyer, 2004;Ployhart et al, 2014;Cosa et al, 2023;Ray et al, 2023). However, despite the discovery of numerous mechanisms for human capital development, research on the metaverse as an enabler remains in its infancy.…”

“…its employees’ knowledge and skills) that are used to design and execute organizational processes (e.g. Schultz, 1961; Wößmann, 2003; Cosa et al. , 2023).…”

“…Recognizing the vital role of innovative and skilled employees, a long tradition of research has emphasized human capital development as a critical core process that shapes organizational capabilities and thereby affects organizations' long-term success (e.g. Barney, 1991;Campbell et al, 2012;Wolfson and Mathieu, 2021;Cosa et al, 2023). This body of work highlights team collaboration as an important key mechanism for effective human capital development in organizations (e.g.…”

Intellectual capital through decarbonization for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 8: a systematic literature review and future research directions

“…Hence, the decision to use SLR in this context was motivated by the potential to advance knowledge in the research area under investigation by comprehensively understanding the specific topics addressed within our theoretical framework. Therefore, previous findings and evidence enable a comprehensive interpretation of earlier scientific discoveries by considering new conceptual frameworks and lines of enquiry (Cosa et al, 2023). To introduce a systematic map of a still-fragmented research field, it is necessary to identify the research gaps that currently hinder a specific research topic (Dana et al, 2024;Tranfield et al, 2003).…”