Intellectual Capital: design science research supporting a novel IC framework

Abstract

Intellectual Capital provides an alternative to conventional accounting, tackling the hurdle of dealing with intangible assets. Over the past few decades, various measurement methods have been developed. However, these methods are primarily tailored to specific types of companies and are often unsuitable for micro and small businesses. Based on this context, the objective of this study is to propose a novel framework to assist readers, academics, and managers identifying the most suitable method for measuring Intellectual Capital by articulating the following traits: purpose, economic sector, and business size. This study adopts an exploratory-descriptive approach with a qualitative methodology, employing a Systematic Literature Review, Content Analysis, and Design Science to achieve its objectives. To determine the goals and methods of measuring Intellectual Capital, this study employed content analysis in the mixed category, with descriptors defined and adjusted as the research progressed. As a result, seven purposes, fifty-eight methods for measuring Intellectual Capital, four economic sectors, and five business sizes were identified, categorized, and incorporated into the proposed framework. Thus, the novel framework proposed by this study is primarily intended to guide stakeholders through the various possibilities for measuring and disseminating Intellectual Capital across corporations, cities, and even nations. As a final recommendation for future research, applying the framework to real-world situations in both the public and private sectors is encouraged.