Exploring voluntary external disclosure of intellectual capital in listed companies

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to create a conceptual model that practically assists companies to produce an effective voluntary external intellectual capital disclosure (ICD) and valorises both the company’s and the stakeholders’ role. It illustrates the relationship among voluntary ICD mechanisms and it takes into consideration the feedback mechanism from external stakeholders.Design/methodology/approachNielsen and Madsen’s (2009) study constitutes the framework of the conceptual model, as it refers to a “sender to receiver” model, which is particularly useful for the research.FindingsAn effective ICD may only be achieved through a combination of decisions taking into account each individual company’s needs and those of stakeholders’ ones. In addition, the dimensions on which the conceptual model is based are already in use in other widespread disclosure models, and this favours the company.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations concern design features, recipients and validity of the conceptual model. In terms of theoretical implications, the model emphasizes an “integrated ICD” approach; in addition, the model is based on some dimensions which characterize widespread and general communication models already in use.Practical implicationsFirst, this relates to the production of an effective ICD when considered as “one-way information”, from the company to the stakeholders. Second, this relates to the interaction between the company and its stakeholders, within a dyadic exchange.Originality/valueThe conceptual model is based on some dimensions which characterize widespread and general communication models already in use, which in the model are applied to ICD. Therefore, companies may favour making an ICD, as they are already confident and familiar with these dimensions.