Innovative Approaches: Using DEMATEL Method in the Research of SMEs Operating in Tourism Sector

Abstract

The aim of this chapter is to introduce an innovative methodological approach in the research field of small and medium-sized enterprises operating in the tourism sector with an emphasis to evaluate the intellectual capital. In addition to financial background, the development of entrepreneurial activity of small and medium-sized enterprises in tourism sector is also determined by the availability and quality of human resources, and the level of intellectual capital. The issue has not been adequately addressed for a long time, but during the crisis and recession, intellectual capital is gaining an increased attention. The chapter is based on the theories and different approach of several foreign professionals addressing the discussed issue in terms of intellectual and human capital and human resources. At the same time, the research is based on current knowledge in the field of SMEs operating in tourism sector. An innovative methodological approach, using the method DEMATEL developed in Switzerland is applied. In addition to this method, we use expert evaluation and advanced statistical methods for quantification. Quantitative methods prevail the study, which are partially supplemented with scientific and logical methods. This mixed approach allows us to understand the research issues in a more compact way. The innovative methodological approach, based on the use of the DEMATEL method and expert evaluation provided an opportunity to quantify effectively the phenomena related to intellectual capital in small and medium-sized enterprises operating in the tourism sector. We quantify three phenomena: human capital, structural capital and relational capital. We found that human capital is the most affected by structural capital (1.7067). Relational capital (1.3849) has a slightly smaller effect on human capital. An interesting finding is that relational capital has no impact on structural capital. The originality of this chapter lies in the application of innovative method of examining entrepreneurship in small and medium-sized enterprises operating in tourism sector. The main and the highest original added value is the application of a less-known DEMATEL method, an innovative methodological approach, which takes the scientific level of research to a higher level. It makes it possible to detect socio-economic phenomena in a more sophisticated and complex way.