The role of network boundary information in intellectual capital measures

要約

In this paper, we will explore the role of network information in intellectual capital measures, focusing specifically on data from lender-borrower relationships. Our analysis found as follows: First, Japanese lenders who judge the creditworthiness of firms, place a great deal of importance on network boundary information in comparison to human resources and technology. Second, while Japanese lenders confront difficulties in accessing and evaluating a firm’ human resources and technology, they comprehend that both resources are essential performance generators for firms. Third, lender perceptions show that both human resources and technologies are highly correlated to the larger network information. How do we interpret these local practices to help explain the surrounding societal context? This paper provides three possible interpretations as follows: First, Western philosophical and scientific perspective leads us to postulate that lenders are efficient, rational decision makers. Second, the New Institutionalism concludes that lenders make decisions in accordance with social norm determinants, rather than for personal optimization. Third, a pragmatic interpretation of the phenomenal use of network information from the more traditional philosophical awareness and rejection of the perfect measurement idea can be as follows: Lenders make decisions based on their daily practice and reflection on firms’ human resources and technology within the socially shared context.