Abstract:

Purpose - There is a clear recognition that strategic management models are frameworks for achieving sustainable competitive advantages. In this sense, excellence models are directly related to intellectual capital models. This study traces and defines the relation between the several EFQM criteria and the components of the intellectual capital. In light of the analysis the EFQM model may be considered as tool for the governance of knowledge. Design/methodology/approach - This paper is focussed on the conceptual analysis of the relations among excellence and intellectual capital. The EFQM Excellence Model is considered as a suitable framework for the governance of organisational knowledge. In other words, EFQM Model is revisited from an intellectual capital perspective. The revision of academic literature and logical analysis are the main methodological tools.  Findings - The study shows that intellectual capital is taken into account in the overarching framework of the EFQM Model. In this sense it is possible to define relationships between each component of the intellectual capital navigators and those coming from the model. Originality/value - This paper considers that the intellectual capital perspective is a key element that runs horizontally across the criteria of the EFQM Excellence Model.