Organizational characteristics fostering intellectual capital in Canada and the Middle East
| Pages | 135-148 |
| Date | 16 January 2009 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/14691930910922950 |
| Published date | 16 January 2009 |
| Author | Jamal A. Nazari,Irene M. Herremans,Robert G. Isaac,Armond Manassian,Theresa J. Kline |
| Subject Matter | Accounting & finance,HR & organizational behaviour,Information & knowledge management |
Organizational characteristics
fostering intellectual capital in
Canada and the Middle East
Jamal A. Nazari
Haskayne School of Business, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada, and
Bissett School of Business, Mount Royal College, Calgary, Canada
Irene M. Herremans and Robert G. Isaac
Haskayne School of Business, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
Armond Manassian
Olayan School of Business, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon, and
Theresa J. Kline
Faculty of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
Abstract
Purpose – This study sets out to examine how organizational characteristics are related to
intellectual capital and how these variables are different between Canadian and Middle East contexts.
Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire was develo ped to measure the four major study
constructs, i.e. intellectual capital, culture, climate, and organizational traits. Each of these constructs
was represented by a number of subscales that were subjected to ANOVA and correlations to test the
hypotheses.
Findings – The analysis showed that all three categories of characteristics (culture, climate, and
other traits) are significantly correlated with IC management. The results also indicated significant
differences in all organizational characteristics and IC management between Canada and the Middle
East.
Research limitations/implications – Culture, climate, and other traits are important enablers for
the effective management of IC. Although the research tested three culture variables, four climate
variables, and two other traits, future research should investigate these variables and the interactions
among them more thoroughly.
Practical implications – The results have implications for organizations operating in different
international contexts. Managers can use the results for more effective and efficient management of
organizational characteristics that would foster IC management.
Originality/value – The research provides a comprehensive study of enablers of effective IC
management, an area of study that has not received much attention in the past. It also provides insight
as to why effective IC management may be more successful in certain countries.
Keywords Organizationalbehaviour, Intellectual capital,Canada, Iran, Lebanon
Paper type Research paper
1. Introduction
A number of theoretical studies and case studies have identified the importance of
organizational characteristics, in both domestic and international settings, to leverage
intellectual assets (human, organizational, and relational). Many past studies have
investigated organizational characteristics and their relationship to only one aspect of
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/1469-1930.htm
IC in Canada and
the Middle East
135
Journal of Intellectual Capital
Vol. 10 No. 1, 2009
pp. 135-148
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
1469-1930
DOI 10.1108/14691930910922950
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