Harnessing social interaction and intellectual capital in intergovernmental networks

PurposeIntellectual capital creation (ICC) in networks has been considered as central to the processes for responding to wicked problems. However, knowledge on the factors that explain ICC in networks is limited. We take a step toward filling this research gap by drawing on an extended view of socia...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of intellectual capital 2022-03, Vol.23 (3), p.639-665
Main Authors: Barrutia, Jose M, Echebarria, Carmen
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Climate change
Collaboration
Cross-sectional studies
Data analysis
Factor analysis
Heterogeneity
Intellectual capital
Knowledge
Networks
Public sector
Social capital
Social factors
Social interaction
Structural models
Sustainability
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Summary:PurposeIntellectual capital creation (ICC) in networks has been considered as central to the processes for responding to wicked problems. However, knowledge on the factors that explain ICC in networks is limited. We take a step toward filling this research gap by drawing on an extended view of social capital to identify specific network features that should explain ICC heterogeneity in engineered intergovernmental networks.Design/methodology/approachA sample of 655 local authorities participating in 8 networks was used to test the framework proposed. Data analysis followed a three-step approach. Firstly, confirmatory factor analysis was applied to assess the convergent and discriminant validity of the measures. Secondly, a non-parametric median test was conducted to determine whether the variables under study were statistically different for the eight networks. Lastly, the structural model underlying the conceptual framework was tested.FindingsThe authors found that the eight intergovernmental networks studied differed significantly in their levels of social interaction and ICC. At a structural level, three variables usually considered representative of social capital (social interaction, trust and shared vision) and two supplementary variables (shared resources and shared decisions) were proven to have significant direct and/or indirect effects on ICC.Originality/valueNo previous cross-sectional research has studied the link between the creation of social capital and intellectual capital in engineered intergovernmental networks. As this research focuses on networks and climate change, it contributes to the fourth and fifth stages of intellectual capital research.
ISSN:1469-1930
1758-7468
DOI:10.1108/JIC-09-2019-0226