ASSOCIATION BETWEEN INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL AND COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE: A CASE STUDY ON THE HOTEL INDUSTRY IN BALI PROVINCE, INDONESIA

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to examine the association between intellectual capital and competitive advantage in the hotel industry in Bali Province, Indonesia. The interrelationship between components of intellectual capital –human capital, relational capital, structural capital – were tested in this study, and testing was also carried out for the association of intellectual capital – represented by structural capital – with competitive advantage. Methodology: Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. A total of 172 questionnaires were sent to general managers of three-, four- and five-star hotels in Bali Province. A total of 109 questionnaires were returned and could be analysed (a 63% response rate). The analysis was performed using covariance-based structural equation modeling with AMOS 21.0 software. Main Findings: The findings show that between the components of intellectual capital there is a positive and significant association: human capital with relational capital, human capital with structural capital and relational capital with structural capital. The findings also show that structural capital has a significant positive association with a competitive advantage. Implications: Mobilising and utilising human capital as much as possible can create and enhance relational capital and structural capital. Willingness to realise, utilise, compile and develop organizational knowledge enables long-term competitive advantages to be achieved. Novelty: This study examines the association of intellectual capital – facilitated by structural capital – and competitive advantage, which researchers have not done before in the hotel industry.