Intellectual Capital: More Than the Interaction of Competence x Commitment

Abstract

Ulrich (1998) has suggested that intellectual capital is a product of competence and commitment. This broad proposition, though intuitively appealing, does not identify theoretical links between these variables, and has little empirical foundation. This paper draws on organisational behaviour theory to propose a model that specifies mechanisms, intermediate linkages and boundary conditions that predict intellectual capital. In doing so, we respond to a recent call for research that is specific about human resource management-firm effectiveness relationships. Moderated relationships between competence, commitment and control are proposed as predictors of intellectual capital. Implications for future theory and practice are highlighted.