Structured Abstract: Purpose – The goal of the paper is to demonstrate the usefulness of referring to a theory of the firm as a way to strongly improve internal consistency in both research and practice. To this end, the paper explores how a theory-of-the-firm perspective can assist in a consistent analysis of IC, focusing on five IC-related issues: the definition and the origins of IC; the set of property rights on IC; its role in the competitive advantage and the value generation process of the firm; the way IC can be valued, including issues relating to the internal and external reporting; and finally the most efficient way to effectively manage and control IC. Analysis is carried out referring to the strengths and weaknesses of the Resource-based View, being the main reference theories for IC scholars and practitioners. Design/methodology/approach – The paper employs a deductive approach to explore how different theories of the firm shape the way IC-related issues could be consistently analysed. Findings – The research finds that referring to a theory of the firm assists investigating IC-related issues. It carries out the analysis of five important issues under the two forms of the Resource-based View, demonstrating how a different theory of the firm differentiates analysis and offers room for improving the internal consistency for both research and practice. Research limitations/implications – Implications of the paper are mainly for improving consistency in research, but they also support practice as for consciousness and awareness. Limitations are as follows. Firstly, the paper offers an analysis of only two selected theories of the firm. Secondly, the analysis is based on a deductive reasoning which can be criticized for the results, even if not for the aim. Practical implications – The paper offer stimuli to both theoretical and empirical research and practice. As for research, the paper highlights how consistency can be developed and also focusses on the way empirical research could be consistently carried out. As for practitioners, the paper assists in enlightening covered links between practice and theories. Originality/value – The paper pays attention to the role of the theory of the firm, as a way for improving internal consistency in the study and the practice of IC. Keywords: Theory of the firm, Resource-based View, Intellectual capital Article Classification: Conceptual paper

Improving internal consistency in IC research and practice: IC and the theory of the firm., Journal of Intellectual Capital

MARZO, Giuseppe
2014

Abstract

Structured Abstract: Purpose – The goal of the paper is to demonstrate the usefulness of referring to a theory of the firm as a way to strongly improve internal consistency in both research and practice. To this end, the paper explores how a theory-of-the-firm perspective can assist in a consistent analysis of IC, focusing on five IC-related issues: the definition and the origins of IC; the set of property rights on IC; its role in the competitive advantage and the value generation process of the firm; the way IC can be valued, including issues relating to the internal and external reporting; and finally the most efficient way to effectively manage and control IC. Analysis is carried out referring to the strengths and weaknesses of the Resource-based View, being the main reference theories for IC scholars and practitioners. Design/methodology/approach – The paper employs a deductive approach to explore how different theories of the firm shape the way IC-related issues could be consistently analysed. Findings – The research finds that referring to a theory of the firm assists investigating IC-related issues. It carries out the analysis of five important issues under the two forms of the Resource-based View, demonstrating how a different theory of the firm differentiates analysis and offers room for improving the internal consistency for both research and practice. Research limitations/implications – Implications of the paper are mainly for improving consistency in research, but they also support practice as for consciousness and awareness. Limitations are as follows. Firstly, the paper offers an analysis of only two selected theories of the firm. Secondly, the analysis is based on a deductive reasoning which can be criticized for the results, even if not for the aim. Practical implications – The paper offer stimuli to both theoretical and empirical research and practice. As for research, the paper highlights how consistency can be developed and also focusses on the way empirical research could be consistently carried out. As for practitioners, the paper assists in enlightening covered links between practice and theories. Originality/value – The paper pays attention to the role of the theory of the firm, as a way for improving internal consistency in the study and the practice of IC. Keywords: Theory of the firm, Resource-based View, Intellectual capital Article Classification: Conceptual paper
2014
Marzo, Giuseppe
File in questo prodotto:
Non ci sono file associati a questo prodotto.

I documenti in SFERA sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11392/1871118
 Attenzione

Attenzione! I dati visualizzati non sono stati sottoposti a validazione da parte dell'ateneo

Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? ND
  • Scopus 24
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? ND
social impact