Corporate governance and intellectual capital: evidence from an academic institution

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between intellectual capital (IC) and corporate governance (CG) in a university setting. In particular, the aim is to argue that the lack of good CG can lead to an inability to attract and retain IC.Design/methodology/approachThe article tests the CG/IC relationship at the American University of Beirut (AUB) by surveying the perceptions of full‐time faculty members. The survey addresses, in particular, the factors that attract IC to AUB and their perception of several aspects of CG at the institution.FindingsThe results suggest that CG and IC are indeed related and that faculty members view CG as a major factor for IC attraction. Respondents also consider that existing IC enhances the institution's ability to attract more IC. However, the mixed perceptions of the governance structure in place at AUB, as revealed by faculty responses, weaken the support for a strong relation between CG and IC at the university. The results also unveil some areas to be improved in the way resources are run.Research limitations/implicationsThe response rate for the survey was limited. The findings may be more substantive and conclusive if the sample was larger. As the study was done for one organization only, more research is needed to further explore the relationship between CG and IC.Originality/valueThe paper is the first to provide empirical evidence on the influence of CG practices on attracting and retaining IC from a general as well as from an academic institution perspective.