Purposes for intellectual capital management: an update of the exposed by Bernard Marr

Propósitos para a gestão do capital intelectual: uma atualização do exposto por Bernard Marr

Resumo

Knowledge Management is a well-established theoretical and practical approach intrinsically linked to Intellectual Capital, with Knowledge Management focusing on systematic intangible asset management and Intellectual Capital on their valuation. While Bernard Marr's seminal 2003 work outlined five core purposes for IC—strategy formulation, strategy execution evaluation, diversification and expansion support, compensation basis, and stakeholder communication—the evolving organizational landscape necessitates an updated understanding of these motivations. This research aimed to identify the evolution of these original purposes within recent academic literature, ultimately proposing a refined framework for Intellectual Capital management. Adopting a qualitative, exploratory-descriptive approach, the study utilized a rigorous Systematic Literature Review spanning from 1998 to 2022, complemented by Content Analysis, to meticulously examine relevant scholarly articles. The findings expand Bernard Marr's seminal 2003 initial framework, identifying two additional critical purposes for Intellectual Capital measurement: “measuring the wealth of the public sector” and “innovation”. These newly identified purposes reflect Intellectual Capital's expanded relevance in driving economic development beyond the private sector and its essential role in fostering continuous value creation. In conclusion, this investigation provides a matured understanding of the motivations for managing Intellectual Capital, offering valuable insights for academics and managers alike by promoting ongoing theoretical refinement and practical application of Intellectual Capital in contemporary settings.