Presenting a Model of Intellectual Capital Influencing Profitability Returns
Keywords:
effective intellectual capital, profitability returns, mixed-methods model, factor analysis, Friedman test, private and public organizationsAbstract
The purpose of this study was to present a model of intellectual capital influencing the level of profitability returns among managers of private and public institutions and organizations. To achieve this objective, an exploratory mixed-methods research design (qualitative–quantitative) was employed. In the qualitative phase, semi-structured interviews with experts and the Delphi technique were used to identify the dimensions, components, and indicators of intellectual capital affecting profitability returns. Qualitative data analysis, conducted through theoretical coding based on interviews with 15 participants, led to the identification of three main dimensions of effective intellectual capital: human capital, structural capital, and relational capital. In the quantitative phase, a questionnaire was developed based on the qualitative findings and distributed among a sample of 384 managers from private and public institutions and organizations. The validity and reliability of the instrument were confirmed through content validity, construct validity (confirmatory factor analysis), and Cronbach’s alpha. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Friedman test. The results indicated that, from the managers’ perspective, human capital is the most important dimension of intellectual capital in influencing profitability returns. In addition, the key components within each dimension were identified and prioritized. By presenting an indigenous model of effective intellectual capital and identifying its key dimensions and components in private and public organizations, this study contributes to a better understanding of the role of intangible assets in financial performance and provides guidance for managers seeking to improve profitability returns through effective intellectual capital management. Suggestions for future research are also presented.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Mahdi Honarmand (Author); Mahmoud Mousavi Shiri; Mahmoud Lari Dashtbayaz (Author)
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