Managing IC by antennae: evidence from cultural organizations

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to point out whether Italian cultural organizations recognize, measure and manage intellectual capital (IC).Design/methodology/approachAn empirical research on the subject of (IC) in cultural organizations has been carried out. Interviews have been realized with directors of Italian cultural organizations and a questionnaire submitted to a sample of 100 individuals involved in the Italian cultural sector.FindingsItalian cultural organizations recognize the importance of IC, but they do not measure IC. Nonetheless, they claim to manage IC, even if they do not measure it through numerical indicators. A non‐metric approach for the visualization of IC has been rejected, as well. Controversial and ambiguous statements are discussed.Research limitations/implicationsThere is a gap between the directors' statements and their organizational behaviour. Most of them declare the need for IC numerical indicators, but only in one case is an overall IC performance measurement system in place.Practical implicationsThe usefulness of the paper is that practitioners may reflect on the obstacles to the implementation of an IC measurement system in cultural organizations.Originality/valueCultural organizations are “unknown terrain” in terms of research into IC and may therefore suggest an innovative path for the analysis of IC. In this context, the paper discusses the need for either a metric approach or a non‐metric approach for the representation – and then the management – of IC.

The management of participatory cultural initiatives: learning from the discourse on intellectual capital

“…Even though cultural organisations operate in an environment mainly based on intellectual and intangible resources, both on the side of production and the side of outcomes (Chong 2009), within the discourse of IC, little attention has been devoted to the cultural sector (with only some exceptions, e.g., Donato 2008;Sundström 2011;Dumay 2014). Insofar, this paper opens up a generic space for a contribution of the IC perspective to conceptualise and understand the multidimensional impact of cultural initiatives better, as well as to support the sense-making process for key stakeholders.…”

“…From the empirical analysis carried out by Donato (2008), we have learnt that even cultural organisations recognise the importance of IC. Nevertheless, a large majority of these organisations does not explicitly measure it.…”

“…While Donato (2008) examined measurement for managerial purposes, Sundström (2011) also adds emphasis on measurement for external reporting purposes, studying the case of a Swedish theatre. Consistent with Donato, he found that managers' decisions were based more on their "own feelings" and perception of the value created for the local community and the audience based on daily experience, feedback and storytelling than on the scorecard imposed by the owners.…”

“…Grounded on the fact that cultural organisations operate in an environment mainly based on intangible assets, both on the side of production and the side of outcomes (Chong 2009), we want to understand the possible contribution of the discourse on Intellectual Capital (IC) and Intangible Assets to the cultural sector in general and to PCIs in detail. At the present state, the debate on Intellectual Capital Accounting Research (ICAR) (Guthrie et al 2012) has paid very little attention to the cultural sector (for few exceptions, e.g., Donato 2008;Sundström 2011;Dumay 2014). On the other hand, art management scholars have paid little attention to the IC discourse (Chiaravalloti and Piber 2011).…”

El estado del arte de la orientación al mercado en las organizaciones culturales

“…1 La literatura define como organizaciones culturales a las encargadas de preservar el material testimonial existente y desarrollar procesos que creen riqueza y valor cultural. Dentro de este tipo de organizaciones se puede incluir a los museos, teatros, bibliotecas y universidades, entre otras (Gainer y Padanyi, 2002;Donato, 2008;Samino, 2009). En el presente trabajo consideraremos como organización cultural a las organizaciones antes descritas con independencia de si éstas son de carácter público o privado.…”