Evaluating the Importance of Intellectual Capital Dimensions in Selected Hospitals of Isfahan, Iran*

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Samira Yadegari 1
Tahere Yaghoob i 2
Sayed Saeed Ayat 3
1 Computer Engineering, School of Engineering, Harand Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
2 Assistant Professor, Computer Engineering, School of Engineering, Payam Noor University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
3 Assistant Professor, Computer Engineering, School of Engineering, Payam Noor University of Najaf Abad, Isfahan, Iran
Abstract
Introduction: Intellectual capitals in an organization are assets that their value is increased over time and
with sharing with others. Since hospitals are dominant in providing medical services, management of
intangible assets could be very important for them. To avoid the waste of costs and efforts, it is necessary
to identify the priority and importance of each dimension of intellectual capitals in hospitals, and then to
develop and manage them.
Methods: This was a descriptive survey which was conducted in three hospitals in Isfahan, Iran in 2010.
Theoretical studies were based on library investigation and corresponding data were collected through predesigned
questionnaires. The validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by some specialists in
management, and its reliability was tested using Cronbach's alpha (α = 0.89). The sample size was
estimated to be 200 subjects. Some descriptive statistics were presented and the inference for evaluating
the importance of intellectual capital dimensions in medical sector was based on student t-test. The web
diagram was used for prioritizing the dimensions.
Results: Among the intellectual capital dimensions considered in medical sector, the importance of three
dimensions of human capital, customer capital and process were higher than average level. Innovation
dimension had a moderate significance in intellectual capital while the value of financial capital and
information technology was low.
Conclusion: Various dimensions of intellectual capitals in hospitals will exhibit different importance.
Therefore, administrators of hospitals must provide good foundation for utilization of all assets and
produce knowledge, wealth and innovation

Keywords

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Health Information Management
Volume 10, Issue 1
Spring 2014
Pages 118-127