Adoption and use of Information and Communication Technologies for Intellectual capital Management among small and medium scale Enterprises in Ibadan, Nigeria

摘要

The significant roles small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) play in growth and development is acknowledged universally. They are known to be major contributors to national development, especially the socio-economic development of countries. As a sector, they create jobs and introduce innovative ideas or products, thereby contributing to nations' gross development product. However, this important group is incapacitated by several factors militating against their growth, among which is the way intellectual capital is managed by them. The study, therefore, investigated the types of information and communication technologies (ICTs) used by the SME managers to manage intellectual capital. Survey research design was adopted. The population of the study is SME managers in Ibadan, Nigeria. Findings reveal that the SMEs understood the concept of intellectual capital, as well as the importance of managing intellectual capital to enhance the performance and productivity of their organisations, and as value drivers for optimal business performance. The SMEs managers used basic ICTs to manage intellectual capital, while the adoption and use of sophisticated ICTs was low. They possessed ICT literary skills, however, their technology and digital skills influenced the type of ICTs used to manage intellectual capital. The year of establishment of the SMEs determined their adoption and use of ICTs. The study recommends that managers of SMEs in Nigeria should acquire skills in using sophisticated ICTs to manage their businesses as well as intellectual capital.