Abstract
D.Comm.
Organisations devote meticulous attention to the analysis and accounting of
tangible assets, but there is no process to measure and analyse investments
in Intellectual Capital (IC). IC, inter alia "goodwill", has become a popular
term, addressing the need to influence the total value (stock) value of an
organisation. Market needs initiated this research, motivated by positive
results/findings of recent foreign research /studies. The aim of the research
was to conduct a literature study in attempt to identify and confirm all variables
and moderators of IC, to utilize this knowledge to develop an assessment
methodology and framework, and to assess the status of IC within the South
African context and the feasibility of the proposed model and methodology,
through the use of focus groups.
All the relevant information pertaining to IC was gathered from previous
research. Specialists and companies/institutions specialising on the topic
provided the author with a comprehensive background to what existed, what
is being done, and what is to follow. Definitions and clarification of terminology
also formed part of this study. This equipped the author to develop a model,
methodology/framework for the assessment of IC. A qualitative methodology
in the form of focus groups was used, with the explicit aim of verifying and
adding to the exploration and the process of developing a new model,
methodology/framework. The focus group interviews were structured through
an interview guide, containing appropriate research questions.
The results of the research supported the knowledge obtained from the
literature study, applied in developing the proposed model and
methodology/framework. The results confirmed that IC is still in its infancy
stage in South Africa, if measured against the development thereof in other
countries. Models and methodologies developed in other continents could with
changes be applied in the South African context. IC could also be of definite
benefit if applied correctly.