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The Theory of Real Options as Theoretical Foundation for the Assessment of Human Capital in Organizations

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  • Isabell Welpe
  • Stephan Lutz
  • Erich Barthel

Abstract

The human capital represented by corporate employees involved in the information and knowledge economy is becoming an increasingly central value-creating factor in global competition. However, in contrast to other value-creating factors, human capi-tal is more difficult to measure, evaluate and manage. Due to human capital’s great importance for economic value creation, a series of studies on human capital evalua-tion have been published during the last few years. This paper discusses why so many traditional evaluation methods are only partly appropriate for categorizing, analyzing and evaluating human capital’s special characteristics. In particular, it is difficult for many traditional approaches to integrate notions of flexibility and options with regard to the human capital of companies. Our result shows that the real options theory provides a theoretical framework for the evaluation of human capital and allows a differentiated analysis that, on a qualitative basis, enables investments in uncertainties that are associated with human capital. This theory thus forms the foundation for the quantification of human capital’s inherent opportunities and risks. Consequently, this paper provides approaches for the future evaluation of human capital and a conceptual context for empirical studies.

Suggested Citation

  • Isabell Welpe & Stephan Lutz & Erich Barthel, 2007. "The Theory of Real Options as Theoretical Foundation for the Assessment of Human Capital in Organizations," Zeitschrift fuer Personalforschung. German Journal of Research in Human Resource Management, Rainer Hampp Verlag, vol. 21(3), pages 274-294.
  • Handle: RePEc:rai:zfpers:doi_10.1688/1862-0000_zfp_2007_03_welpe
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Cornelia Serena, PASCA, 2016. "The Human Capital - A Long Term Investment," Contemporary Economy Journal, Constantin Brancoveanu University, vol. 1(4), pages 51-62.
    2. Knauer, Thorsten, 2010. "Relevanz, Qualität und Determinanten der externen Unternehmenspublizität zum Humankapital: Eine empirische Bestandsaufnahme der HDAX-Unternehmen," Arbeitspapiere des Lehrstuhls für Betriebswirtschaftslehre, insbesondere Controlling 13-1, University of Münster, Chair of Management Accounting.
    3. Abdelhak Senadjki & Samuel Ogbeibu & Chee Yin Yip & Hui Nee Au Yong & Mourad Senadjki, 2021. "The impact of corruption and university education on African innovation: evidence from emerging African economies," SN Business & Economics, Springer, vol. 1(5), pages 1-26, May.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    Human Capital; Real Options; Company Evaluation; Immaterial Assets; Company Value; Investment;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • M12 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Personnel Management; Executives; Executive Compensation
    • M50 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Personnel Economics - - - General
    • M54 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Personnel Economics - - - Labor Management

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