Intellectual capital in hospitality and tourism: a critical review and future research agenda

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to provide a critical review of the intellectual capital (IC) research in hospitality and tourism (HT) literature.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses 141 research papers published on IC in HT between 2003 and 2021 to offer the findings of a systematic review of publications that cover the issue of IC as a holistic concept, rather than just a component of it, within the sector.FindingsThe progress on the topic is addressed. The authors' findings also reveal the related research productivity, main themes compared to other service sectors and methodologies applied in the knowledge field. In order to provide a tangible structure in the field, a research agenda is offered.Research limitations/implicationsThis study analyzed the development of IC research in the HT literature by focusing on journal articles in the Scopus database. The findings could aid researchers in (re)designing their study goals so they may add to both general IC literature and literature related to HT.Originality/valueA strong positive relationship between IC and HT organizations’ performance has been demonstrated, but no study has previously mapped the research constituents of publications in IC research. To contribute to the endeavor of knowledge consolidation on this subject, the authors' paper covers the research that has been done so far on the under-researched issue of IC in HT from a new perspective.

Examining the role of intellectual capital in maturing sustainable competitive advantage through enkindling innovations in SMEs: the moderating role of entrepreneurship-orientation

“…IC has quickly emerged as a critical factor influencing an organization's performance and long-term financial goals. Many firms recognize their core competence as invisible assets (Dzenopoljac et al, 2023;Ahmed et al, 2019). IC is an asset comprising the collection of knowledge resources available to a company that can be utilized to drive profits, expand the customer base, create new products, and improve firm performance (Obeidat et al, 2021).…”

“…Plenteous studies in the last decade (e.g. Chahal and Bakshi, 2014;Handayani and Karnawati, 2020;Khan et al, 2019;Ali et al, 2021;Rabiei et al, 2022;Dzenopoljac et al, 2023) have endorsed that intellectual capital (IC) is key to gaining and sustaining competitiveness in today's knowledge, innovation, and opportunity-driven economies. Contemporary times have witnessed a paradigm shift in value creation such that more emphasis is now placed on intangible resources, capabilities, and/or competencies rather than traditional factors of production like labor, land, financial capital, or other tangible assets.…”

“…, 2021; Rabiei et al. , 2022; Dzenopoljac et al. , 2023) have endorsed that intellectual capital (IC) is key to gaining and sustaining competitiveness in today’s knowledge, innovation, and opportunity-driven economies.…”