The influence of intellectual capital on global initiatives

Abstract

Purpose

The main purpose of this study is to explain a firm's global initiatives from the intellectual capital (IC) perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

This study presents empirical evidence on the relationships among intellectual capital, business environment, and global initiatives using a sample of firms located in Taiwan but competing in the global market. Altogether 168 companies took part in the study.

Findings

The findings have confirmed that intellectual capital is positively associated with a firm's global initiatives. There is also moderating effect of the business environment on the relationship between intellectual capital and global initiatives. The important role of intellectual capital is highlighted for firms intending to compete in the international arena. The importance of human capital (top management teams' visionary leadership) also increases as the environment becomes more dynamic.

Originality/value

The dimensions and measures provided by this study might serve as a starting point for further studies on the management of intellectual capital in the international context. With a longitudinal study design and large‐scale questionnaire survey, the study might enrich the existing literature by identifying the intellectual capital‐global initiatives relationship and exploring the moderating effect of the environment on the intellectual capital‐global initiatives relationship. The study might further contribute to the literature by focusing on Taiwan rather than a developed Western economy as employed in related work.

Citation

Ling, Y. (2012), "The influence of intellectual capital on global initiatives", VINE, Vol. 42 No. 1, pp. 129-144. https://doi.org/10.1108/03055721211207806