Multi-variable analysis and modelling of intellectual capital effects on firm performance

Intellectual capital generally has a uniformly positive effect on firm performance. Given that IC is a complex phenomenon of interactions, transformations and complementarities, it has been theorised that it exhibits distinctly different characteristics across the enterprise continuum. It has been observed in the literature that certain variables such as firm size, industry sector, clustering level and economic environment play an important mediating role on the effects of intellectual capital on firm performance. In this context, a four-variable model is structured to elucidate this complex phenomenon. Second-level analysis of the aggregate results of a meta-study of the relevant bibliography (2003-2013), demonstrates succinctly the interpretive complexity of this model.