Intellectual Capital: Perception of Public and Private Sector Knowledge-Based Organizations in Pakistan

Abstract

This paper explores the perception of public and private sector managers regarding intellectual capital in knowledge based organizations in Pakistan. Due to the intangible nature of intellectual capital resources, a qualitative methodology is chosen to get in-depth perception from the managers. Ten interviews were conducted in public and private sector organizations chosen on the basis of knowledge organization criteria and senior managers were interviewed to get an in-depth understanding of the phenomenon. The data was coded in Atlas.ti and analyzed. It was discovered that there are several themes related to the different components of intellectual capital, which are common within both types of organizations. However, several elements were also found whose importance is differs across the organizations. Overall, it was found that management of intellectual capital is more organized and systematic in the private organizations. However, understanding of intellectual capital is also increasing in the public sector managers. The utilization of intellectual capital is increasing in both types of organizations however, more steps are needed at the strategic level to manage the intellectual capital resources within the organizations