System Engineering and Productivity

System Engineering and Productivity

Explaining the Factors Affecting Intellectual Capital to Facilitate Productivity in Knowledge-based Businesses

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
1 Ph.D. Student, Department of Industrial Management, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2 Corresponding author: Associate Professor, Department of Industrial Management, Malek Ashtar University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
3 Associate Professor, Department of Industrial Engineering, Arak Branch, Islamic Azad University, Arak, Iran
4 Associate Professor, Department of Industrial Engineering, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Knowledge-based businesses, relying on their intellectual capital, play a key role in economic development. Identifying the factors influencing the intellectual capital of these companies is essential for their success, competitiveness, and, consequently, productivity. Accordingly, this research aims to investigate and identify the key factors affecting intellectual capital in knowledge-based businesses. To achieve the research objectives, a meta-synthesis study was conducted. In this regard, all studies related to intellectual capital published between 2000 and 2024 (1389 to 1402 in the Persian calendar) were reviewed. The data analysis process was based on the seven-step method of Sandelowski and Barroso, using MAXQDA software. Initially, 1343 relevant sources were identified by searching keywords in domestic and international scientific databases. After removing duplicates and screening sources based on criteria aligned with the research objectives, 154 articles were selected as the final sources for the meta-synthesis. Cohen’s kappa coefficient was used to assess the reliability and validity of the model. The results revealed that the influencing factors were categorized into four main themes, including 20 concepts and 53 codes. The kappa coefficient was calculated as 0.746, indicating an excellent level of agreement. The findings show that components such as employee training, knowledge, employee experience and background, technological infrastructure, and information systems have the highest importance coefficients. In other words, these factors have been more frequently addressed and examined in studies on intellectual capital.

Highlights

  • Designing a comprehensive intellectual capital model in knowledge-based businesses
  • Identifying factors affecting intellectual capital to facilitate productivity in knowledge-based businesses.
  • The meta-synthesis method was used to examine and identify key factors affecting intellectual capital in knowledge-based businesses.

Keywords
Subjects

Copyright © Hossein Azizinejad, Gholamreza Tavakoli, Mohammad Ehsanifar, Amir Najafi

 

License

This article is released under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) license. Anyone is free to copy, share, translate, and adapt this article for any purpose, whether commercial or non-commercial, as long as proper citation is given to the authors and original publication.

Arvan, M., Omidvar, A., & Ghodsi, R. (2016). Intellectual capital evaluation using fuzzy cognitive maps: A scenario-based development planning. Expert Systems with Applications, 55, 21–36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eswa.2015.12.044
Bakhtiari, T., Safarian, H., Saeed, E., & Roozbehi, A. (2017). Identifying factors affecting the growth of intellectual capital of faculty members of large medical universities in five countries. Iranian Journal of Education in Medical Sciences, 17, 441–450. http://ijme.mui.ac.ir/article-1-4374-fa.html (In Persian)
Baniasadi, M., Roushan, S. A., Yaghoobi, N., & Rounaghi, M. H. (2021). Designing a comprehensive model of intellectual capital through meta-synthesis approach. Journal of Research in Human Resources Management, 13(4), 221–254.
Bontis, N. (1998). Intellectual capital: An exploratory study that develops measures and models. Management Decision, 36(2), 63–76. https://doi.org/10.1108/00251749810204142
Bozbura, F. T. (2004). Measurement and application of intellectual capital in Turkey. The Learning Organization, 11(4/5), 357–367. https://doi.org/10.1108/09696470410538251
Buch, C. M., Kleinert, J., Lipponer, A., Toubal, F., & Baldwin, R. (2005). Determinants and effects of foreign direct investment: Evidence from German firm-level data. Economic Policy, 20(41), 52–110. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-0327.2005.00133.x
Chen, J., Zhu, Z., & Xie, H. Y. (2004). Measuring intellectual capital: A new model and empirical study. Journal of Intellectual Capital, 5(1), 195–212. https://doi.org/10.1108/14691930410513003
Cleary, P., & Quinn, M. (2016). Intellectual capital and business performance: An exploratory study of the impact of cloud-based accounting and finance infrastructure. Journal of Intellectual Capital, 17(2), 255–278. https://doi.org/10.1108/JIC-06-2015-0058
Cosa, M., Pedro, E., & Urban, B. (2024). How to assess the intellectual capital of firms in uncertain times: A systematic literature review and a proposed model for practical adoption. Journal of Intellectual Capital, 25(7), 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1108/JIC-05-2023-0096
Dassin, J. R., Marsh, R. R., & Mawer, M. (2017). Introduction: Pathways for social change? In J. R. Dassin, R. R. Marsh, & M. Mawer (Eds.), International scholarships in higher education: Pathways to social change (pp. 3–21). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-62734-2_1
Eghbal, F., Ehsanifar, M., Mirhosseini, M., & Mazaheri, H. (2025). Identification and modeling of key factors significant to the financial performance of Iranian construction companies. System Engineering and Productivity, 4(4), 77–94. https://doi.org/10.22034/msb.2024.2034092.1218
Ghadami Gholsheikh, N., Hossein Zadeh, A., & Sanavi Garousiyan, V. (2025). Design and validation of smart customer experience in Agricultural Bank of Khorasan Razavi Province with a mixed-methods approach. System Engineering and Productivity, 4(4). https://doi.org/10.22034/sep.2025.2049020.1244
Ghamari, S. J., Tabar, R. M., & Ramezani, A. (2024). Designing a model for measuring intellectual capital in manufacturing companies in Tehran province. Journal of Management and Industrial Engineering Research, 6(18), 96–119. (In Persian)
Ghelichli, B., & Esfahani, A. M. (2006). The role of social capital in creating an organization’s intellectual capital (a study of two Iranian automobile manufacturing companies). Journal of Management Knowledge, 19(75), 125–147. (In Persian)
Gheyasi, S., Hosseinpour, M., & Mehralizadeh, Y. (2021). Designing an intellectual capital status assessment model based on productivity improvement approach: The case of Iranian universities. The Journal of Productivity Management, 15(2), 157–179. https://doi.org/10.30495/qjopm.2021.1876579.2587
Gholami Karin, M., Abdolmanafi, S., & Azimi, H. (2015). Management of intellectual capital and its influence on personnel economic performance in Saipa Automotive Manufacturing Group. Research in Production and Operations Management, 6(2), 145–164. (In Persian)
Ghorbani, M. (2013). Developing a model for assessing intellectual capital of sports federations of the Islamic Republic of Iran [Doctoral dissertation, University of Tehran]. University of Tehran Repository. (In Persian)
Grant, R. M. (2016). Contemporary strategy analysis: Text and cases edition. John Wiley & Sons.
Hassan Hosseini, M., Jokar, A., Keshavarz, E., & Khademi, M. (2019). Identifying and prioritizing intellectual capital indicators with the aim of improving the company’s performance. Public Organizations Management, 7(3), 77–90. https://doi.org/10.30473/ipom.2018.5173
Hatami Ghoshchi, A., Daneshfard, K., Toloei Ashlaghi, A., & Rahnemae Rudpashti, F. (2022). Intellectual capital model of state banks with the approach of competence and professional ethics of managers. Ethics in Science and Technology, 17, 121–125. (In Persian)
Hernández, M. L. O., Cámara, R. F. M., & Arroyo, M. A. G. (2022). La gestión del capital intelectual en el ámbito universitario: Una aproximación al planteamiento de un modelo de medición. Argumentos: Estudios Críticos de la Sociedad, (99), 161–175. https://doi.org/10.24275//uamxoc-dcsh/argumentos/2022100-07
Hosseinzadeh, E., & Mohammadi, M. (2023). Investigating the impact of information technology on the development of home businesses (case study of North Khorasan Province). System Engineering and Productivity, 3(3), 82–111. https://doi.org/10.22034/msb.2023.711491
Islambolchi, A., Zareian Moradabadi, B., Hamidi, K., & Ghobadi, T. (2022). Analysis of the intellectual capital model in state banks of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Quarterly Journal of Quantitative Researches in Management, 13(2), 5–32.
Kakavand, J. (2017). Investigating factors affecting the improvement of intellectual capital in Ayandeh Bank [Master’s thesis, Payam Noor University]. Payam Noor University Repository. (In Persian)
Karimi Zarachi, M., Fathi, M. R., Raeesi Nafchi, S., & Hosseini Zarch, S. M. (2023). The impact of supply chain relationship quality on knowledge sharing and innovation performance in the packaging industry. System Engineering and Productivity, 3(3), 63–81. https://doi.org/10.22034/msb.2023.711490
Kenshlow, H., & Hosseini, S. A. (2024). Studying the relationship between human resource development and justice, satisfaction and increasing the efficiency of social security employees. System Engineering and Productivity, 4(3), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.22034/msb.2024.2013266.1161
Kerzner, H. (2018). Project management best practices: Achieving global excellence (4th ed.). John Wiley & Sons.
Khayatian, M. S., Eliassy, M., & Tabatabaeian, S. H. (2016). Sustainability model of knowledge-based companies in Iran. Journal of Science and Technology Policy, 9(2), 49–62. https://dorl.net/dor/20.1001.1.20080840.1395.9.2.5.9
Khovandkar, E., Khovandkar, J., & Motaghi, A. (2013). Intellectual capital: Development management and measurement models (2nd ed.). Publications of the Center for Industrial Education and Research of Iran. (In Persian)
Kotter, J. P. (1995). Leading change: Why transformation efforts fail. Harvard Business Review, 73(2), 59–67.
Kusa, R., Suder, M., Duda, J., Czakon, W., & Juárez-Varón, D. (2024). Does knowledge management mediate the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and firm performance? Journal of Knowledge Management, 28(11), 33–61. https://doi.org/10.1108/JKM-07-2023-0608
Łataś, R., & Walasek, D. (2016). Intellectual capital within the project management. Procedia Engineering, 153, 384–391. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2016.08.137
Leonard, D., & Straus, S. (1998). Putting your company’s whole brain to work. In Harvard Business Review on knowledge management (pp. 109–136). Harvard Business School Press.
Li, Y., Song, Y., Wang, J., & Li, C. (2019). Intellectual capital, knowledge sharing, and innovation performance: Evidence from the Chinese construction industry. Sustainability11(9), 2713. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11092713
Liu, C., Liao, Q., Gao, W., Li, S., Jiang, P., & Li, D. (2024). Intellectual capital evaluation index based on a hybrid multi-criteria decision-making technique. Mathematics, 12(9), 1323. https://doi.org/10.3390/math12091323
Loyarte, E., Garcia-Olaizola, I., Marcos, G., Moral, M., Gurrutxaga, N., & Florez-Esnal, J. (2018). Model for calculating the intellectual capital of research centres. Journal of Intellectual Capital, 19(4), 787–813. https://doi.org/10.1108/JIC-01-2017-0021
Mansuri, S., Vazifeh, Z., & Yusefi Tabas, H. (2017). Prioritizing the effective factors in the development of knowledge-based companies of Kerman. Journal of Entrepreneurship Development, 10(2), 319–338. https://doi.org/10.22059/jed.2017.230257.652181. (In Persian)
Marr, B. (2005). Perspectives on intellectual capital. Elsevier Butterworth-Heinemann. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780080479934
Martin, R. (2012). Regional economic resilience, hysteresis and recessionary shocks. Journal of Economic Geography, 12(1), 1–32. https://doi.org/10.1093/jeg/lbr019
Meymand, M. M., & Haddadzadeh, M. (2012). Study and determination of factors affecting the evaluation of intellectual capital in knowledge-based institutions (case study: Companies located in Yazd Science and Technology Park). Journal of Research in Educational Systems, 5(15), 129–149. https://dorl.net/dor/20.1001.1.23831324.1390.5.15.7.5 (In Persian)
Mohammadabadi, M., Niazazari, K., & Jabbari, N. (2021). Exploring and ranking the intellectual capital factors affecting knowledge-based companies (case study: Knowledge-based companies in North Khorasan). Journal of Business Management, 13(51), 405–428.
Mozaffari, M. M., & Kazemi, H. (2018). Study of effective factors on intellectual capital promotion in organizations (case study: Qazvin Province Technical and Vocational Organization). In Third International Conference on Dynamic Management, Accounting and Auditing, Tehran. (In Persian)
Namazi, M., Foroughi, D., & Farzadi, S. (2015). Intellectual liabilities: The modern concept in contrast with the intellectual capital. Accounting and Auditing Research, 7(25), 1–18. (In Persian)
Nasiripour, A. A., Raeissi, P., MASOUDI, A. I., & Nazari, A. (2013). Relationshib between organizational culture ana intellectual capital among managers of Imam Khomeini Relife Foundation (IKRF) Deputy for support and health, 2010.
Nikbakht, M. R., Dianati, D. Z., Momeni, M., & Ahmadi, H. (2021). Presentation of multi-indexed intellectual capital assessment model. Financial Accounting and Auditing Research, 13(49), 1–30.
Nonaka, I., & Konno, N. (1998). The concept of “Ba”: Building a foundation for knowledge creation. California management review40(3), 40-54. https://doi.org/10.2307/41165942
Patthirasinsiri, N., & Wiboonrat, M. (2019). Measuring intellectual capital of science park performance for newly established science parks in Thailand. Kasetsart Journal of Social Sciences, 40(1), 82–90. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.kjss.2017.10.001
Pedro, E., Leitão, J., & Alves, H. (2018). Back to the future of intellectual capital research: A systematic literature review. Management Decision, 56(11), 2502–2583. https://doi.org/10.1108/MD-08-2017-0807
Petty, R., & Guthrie, J. (2000). Intellectual capital literature review: Measurement, reporting and management. Journal of Intellectual Capital, 1(2), 155–176. https://doi.org/10.1108/14691930010348731
Ghasemi, F., Danesh Fard, K. A., Najaf Beigi, R., & Afshar Kazemi, M. A. (2020). Designing an indigenous model of intellectual capital measurement with pathological approach at the Ministry of Petroleum. Strategic Studies in Petroleum and Energy Industry, 11(44), 211–238. (In Persian)
Rahman, M. M., Sobhan, R., & Islam, M. S. (2019). Intellectual capital disclosure and its determinants: Empirical evidence from listed pharmaceutical and chemical industry of Bangladesh. Asian Journal of Business Environment, 9(2), 35–46. https://doi.org/10.13106/jbees.2019.vol9.no2.35
Ramírez, Y., Tejada, A., & Gordillo, S. (2013). Recognition of intellectual capital importance in the university sector. International Journal of Business and Social Research, 3(4), 27–41.
Rannikko, H. (2012). Early development of new technology-based firms: A longitudinal analysis on new technology-based firms’ development from population level and firm level perspectives [Doctoral dissertation, Aalto University]. Aalto University Repository.
Ren, J. Y. (2009). The empirical study on the relationship between corporate intellectual capital and corporate performance. In 2009 16th International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management (pp. 2054–2058). IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICIEEM.2009.5344238
Saghafi, A., & Mirzaei Abbas Abad, M. M. (2022). Intellectual capital measurement and reporting model in Iran. Empirical Research in Accounting, 12(3), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.22051/jera.2021.36265.2869
Samimi, M., Mirjomehri, A., & Ghorbani, R. (2022). Investigating the effect of intellectual capital on the performance of knowledge-based defense organizations with the mediating role of innovation in the organization. Military Science and Tactics, 17(58), 29–48. https://doi.org/10.22034/qjmst.2022.105874.1267
Sandelowski, M., Barroso, J., & Voils, C. I. (2007). Using qualitative metasummary to synthesize qualitative and quantitative descriptive findings. Research in Nursing & Health, 30(1), 99–111. https://doi.org/10.1002/nur.20176
Seleim, A., Ashour, A., & Bontis, N. (2004). Intellectual capital in Egyptian software firms. The Learning Organization, 11(4/5), 332–346. https://doi.org/10.1108/09696470410538233
Semenov, V. (2016). Institutional features of strategic management of intellectual capital reproduction. In 2015 4th Forum Strategic Partnership of Universities and Enterprises of Hi-Tech Branches (Science, Education, Innovation) (pp. 52–54). IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/IVForum.2015.7388251
Serenko, A., Bontis, N., Booker, L., Sadeddin, K., & Hardie, T. (2010). A scientometric analysis of knowledge management and intellectual capital academic literature (1994–2008). Journal of Knowledge Management, 14(1), 3–23. https://doi.org/10.1108/13673271011015534
Seyyed Naghavi, M., Khosravi, M., Dehghanan, H., & Nasehifar, V. (2022). Designing an Intellectual Capital Evaluation Model in Knowledge-Based Companies. Management Studies in Development and Evolution31(105), 31-64. https://doi.org/10.22054/jmsd.2022.57755.3841
Shahnazari, A., Ghorbani, M., & Nasseri, N. (2023). The design of a comprehensive model for the improvement of intellectual capital through organizational learning in educational systems. Journal of Education, 39(4), 27–50. (In Persian)
Sohrabi, B., Raisi Vanani, I., & Alidoosti, S. (2010). A practical model for evaluating the maturity of knowledge management in the software industry. Journal of Science and Technology Policy, 3(2), 63–81. https://dorl.net/dor/20.1001.1.20080840.1389.3.1.6.6
Stewart, T. A. (1994). Your company’s most valuable asset: Intellectual capital. Fortune, 130(7), 68–74.
Talebi, K., Davari, A., & Dehghan Najmabadi, A. (2013). The effect of intellectual capital on entrepreneurial opportunity recognition. Management Studies in Development and Evolution, 22(71), 19–48. (In Persian)
Taliyang, S. M., Abdul Latif, R., & Mustafa, N. H. (2011). The determinants of intellectual capital disclosure among Malaysian listed companies. International Journal of Management and Marketing Research, 4(3), 25–33.
Turovets, Y. (2021). Intangible assets and the efficiency of manufacturing firms in the age of digitalisation: The Russian case. Engineering Management in Production and Services, 13(1), 7–18. https://doi.org/10.2478/emj-2021-0001
Veisi, O., & Zahedi, M. R. (2021). Presenting a model of the impact of intellectual capital on the performance of knowledge-based organizations based on the role and position of organizational innovation. Innovation Management in Defensive Organizations, 4(3), 125–146. (In Persian)
Yuan, B., Xia, H., & Guo, C. (2021). An evaluation index system for intellectual capital evaluation based on machine learning. Alexandria Engineering Journal, 60(1), 1519–1524. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aej.2020.11.006
Zahedi, M. R., & Naghdi Khanachah, S. (2021). The effect of knowledge management processes on organizational innovation through intellectual capital development in Iranian industrial organizations. Journal of science and technology policy management12(1), 86-105. https://doi.org/10.1108/JSTPM-11-2019-0113
Zahedi, S. M., & Lotfi Zadeh, F. (2007). Elements and measurement models of intellectual capital. Management Studies in Development and Evolution, 18(55), 39–64. https://dorl.net/dor/20.1001.1.22518037.1386.18.55.3.9
Zahedi, S., Rezaeimanesh, B., & Eslambolchi, A. (2013). Designing an intellectual capital measuring model for Iranian cultural public organizations. Public Organizations Management, 1(3), 43–63. https://dorl.net/dor/20.1001.1.2322522.1392.1.0.11.5
Zakeri, A., Afrazeh, A., & Nooralizadeh, H. (2015). Efficiency of insurance companies in Iran using intellectual capital indicators. Insurance Research, 30(1), 1–31. https://doi.org/10.22056/ijir.2015.01.01
Zareian Morad Abadi, B., Hamidi, K., & Ghobadi Lamouki, T. G. L. (2022). Intellectual capital valuation model in state-owned banks of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Islamic Economics and Banking, 11(39), 167–193. (In Persian)
Volume 5, Issue 2 - Serial Number 15
Serial No. 15, Summer Quarterly
Summer 2025
Pages 149-174

  • Receive Date 08 March 2025
  • Revise Date 10 April 2025
  • Accept Date 20 April 2025
  • First Publish Date 20 April 2025
  • Publish Date 23 August 2025