Unleashing corporate potential: the interplay of intellectual capital, knowledge management, and environmental compliance in enhancing innovation and performance

PurposeThis paper aims to explore how the three components of intellectual capital (IC) (human, structural and relational) are related to corporate innovation and how effective knowledge management can improve business performance, innovation and environmental compliance. Additionally, the study investigates the influence of environmental compliance on overall business performance. Design/methodology/approachThe organizational resource-based view was used to develop a theoretical model and accompanying hypotheses. A survey design approach was used to collect data and evaluate the model. The predicted relationships were tested by structural equation modeling using data acquired from members of management teams in the Vietnamese manufacturing sector. FindingsThe three components of IC have significant positive effects on business performance. In addition, corporate innovation, knowledge management success (KMS) and environmental compliance all significantly increase business performance. Moreover, KMS indirectly enhances business performance through innovation and environmental compliance. Research limitations/implicationsThis study provides useful insights into knowledge management, innovation and environmental compliance for administrators, practitioners and scholars. The results support practical advice for how firms can integrate KMS strategies into their operations, improve environmental compliance and increase business success. Originality/valueThe links between IC, knowledge management, innovation and environmental compliance are of ongoing interest to organizational scholars. However, empirical research on the relationships of these factors with business performance has been limited. This study investigates these links and offers factual evidence for them.