The link between intellectual capital and business performance: a mediation chain approach
Journal of Intellectual Capital
ISSN: 1469-1930
Article publication date: 22 October 2020
Issue publication date: 8 February 2022
Abstract
Purpose
This study focuses on intellectual capital (IC) as a driver of better business performance. Recent studies suggest that a set of variables may mediate this relationship. This research discusses the mediating role of dynamic capabilities, network competence, technological capabilities, absorptive capabilities and innovation performance between intellectual capital and business performance.
Design/methodology/approach
The conceptual model is tested using a sample of 533 Portuguese firms by means of a structural equation model.
Findings
It confirms that intellectual capital impacts business performance. Moreover, this only happens indirectly through the mediating chain defined by the variables dynamic capabilities, network competence, technological capabilities, absorptive capabilities and innovation performance.
Originality/value
This study analyzes new mediator variables between the dimensions of the intellectual capital and Portuguese business performance.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This work was supported by national funds, through the FCT – Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology, under the project UIDB/04011/2020 and UIDB/00315/2020. We sincerely appreciate the valuable comments and suggestions from the editor and reviewers, which helped us improve the quality of the article.
Citation
Campos, S., Dias, J.G., Teixeira, M.S. and Correia, R.J. (2022), "The link between intellectual capital and business performance: a mediation chain approach", Journal of Intellectual Capital, Vol. 23 No. 2, pp. 401-419. https://doi.org/10.1108/JIC-12-2019-0302
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited