Intellectual capital and decent work: synergistic impact on firm competitiveness in emerging economies

While the individual roles of intellectual capital (IC) and decent work (DW) in fostering firm competitiveness are well-documented, their combined, synergistic effects, particularly within the unique contexts of emerging economies, remain underexplored. This systematic literature review addresses this critical gap by synthesising findings from extensive academic literature across multiple disciplines. Drawing on existing research, this review highlights how IC components - human, structural, and social capital - dynamically interact with DW dimensions such as employment quality, rights, security, and social dialogue. The synthesis reveals that IC and DW are not just complementary but mutually reinforcing constructs that synergistically contribute to enhanced firm performance, innovation, and market competitiveness. This synergistic impact is particularly relevant and impactful in the dynamic and resource-constrained environments characteristic of emerging economies. The findings underscore the need for integrated strategies that foster DW practices alongside strategic investments in IC to drive long-term sustainable competitiveness. This study bridges significant gaps in existing research by providing a synthesised understanding of the IC-DW nexus and offers actionable insights for academics, policymakers, and business leaders seeking to leverage these elements for sustainable growth in emerging markets.