Gholam hosein mehr alian

Purpose: In current economy, the knowledge and intellectual capital (IC) are considered as the most important organizational assets and are one of the key resources to gaining competitive advantage in organizations. The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between knowledge management processes (KM) and IC through the empirical study in the pharmaceutical industry. Design/methodology/approach: To run this study, a conceptual model was designed based on literature review, and a valid instrument was adopted to collect the required data set on KMP and IC dimensions, and finally 656 complete questionnaires were collected. The structural equation modeling was also used to assess the measurement model and to test the research hypotheses. Findings:The results support research model, and also revealed KMP has significant influence on the accumulation of IC. In conclusion, KMP and changes in its dimensions can be used to boost the intellectual capital accumulation. Practical limitations/ implications: The results support research model, and also revealed KM has significant influence on the accumulation of human capital. Moreover, the performance of human capital manifests significant effect on structural capital and relational capital. Originality/value: This research is the first study tries to investigate mutual relationship between KM and IC in the pharmaceutical industry as the best example for knowledge– based organization. The research results confirm and report the general proposition of a mutual KMP-IC relationship.

Intellectual capital, Knowledge Management Process, Pharmaceutical industry