The Impact of Intellectual Capital, Competitive Advantage, and Knowledge Management on Firm Performance: A Resource-Based View Approach (Evidence from Knowledge-Based Firms)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Accounting, ShK.C., Islamic Azad University, Shahr-e Kord, Iran

2 Department of Accounting, Safa.C., Islamic Azad University, Safashahr, Iran

3 Department of Accounting, Faculty of Humanities, Jahrom University, Jahrom, Iran

Abstract

This study examines the impact of intellectual capital and knowledge management on the performance of knowledge-based firms, with an emphasis on the mediating role of competitive advantage, grounded in the Resource-Based View (RBV). In this study, firm performance is measured using the Balanced Scorecard approach. This applied research adopts a descriptive–correlational design. Data were collected through a questionnaire administered to senior and middle managers of knowledge-based firms in 2025, yielding 158 usable responses. The hypotheses were tested using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling. The results indicate that intellectual capital has a positive and significant effect on firm performance; however, the indirect effect of intellectual capital on performance through competitive advantage is not significant. In contrast, knowledge management has a positive and significant effect on firm performance both directly and indirectly through competitive advantage, with competitive advantage playing a partial mediating role in this relationship. Additionally, competitive advantage has a positive and significant effect on firm performance.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Accounting Advances
Volume 18, Issue 1
September 2026

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History

  • Receive Date: 18 February 2026
  • Revise Date: 11 June 2026
  • Accept Date: 08 July 2026

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