Analysis and valuation of intellectual capital according to its context

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze and group the intellectual capital components of worldwide organizations through a humanistic model called CONICCVALTM (contextual intellectual capital components valuation). The study aims to consider the difference of perception on the value of intangible assets according to its context.Design/methodology/approachThe importance of the context as a key factor to valuate intellectual capital is highlighted. The research developed by a Mexico based Consulting and Research firm in topics related to intellectual capital and corporate strategy (Instituto de Capital Intelectual) is described, to valuate these intangible assets. The sample population in eight geographic regions, 16 types of industries, two types of operations, and three sizes of organizations was analyzed. The research results were analysed using 41 variables and four factors through the Multiple Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) methodology. The analysis of the principal components analysis (PCA) is also described, and a new model to valuate intellectual capital considering the context is proposed.FindingsIt was demonstrated that: the geographic region, the segment of the industry, and the size of the organization, are statistically significant factors that determine the weighing of intellectual capital. It was found that there are ten principal components that shape intellectual capital, and their profiles were identified to measure it according to the context.Research limitations/implicationsA statistically significant sample of 38,000 executive men and women, graduates and students of Master's and Executive Education programs from a top International Management School in the USA was used. They are considered to be a representative sample of a working business community of 12,000 companies in 140 countries.Practical implicationsThe main parameter used to valuate intellectual capital in this study was the context. It was concluded that only companies inserted in equivalent contexts could be compared.Originality/valueThe contribution of this paper is that it demonstrates the importance of the context in the valuation of intellectual capital.