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Human Capital as a Challenge for Economics Theory

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  • Barbara Wyrzykowska

    (Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Poland)

Abstract

The issue of human capital is increasingly attracting the attention of both theorists and practitioners, because at present human resources play a decisive role in the creation of competitive economies and business entities. Human capital and knowledge are becoming key factors in the area of entity competitiveness. Consequently, human capital is currently being analysed in a multi-faceted way in the context of numerous economic theories. The aim of this study is to summarize, analyse, and synthesise the information published on the subject of the theory of human capital and to present new theories and scientific paradigms. The theories presented in this study show that employees constitute the basic capital of modern organizations. One of the contemporary paradigms of modern management is the concept of knowledge-based economy and the paradigm of information technology. This article is based on literature studies and theoretical reflections of the author.

Suggested Citation

  • Barbara Wyrzykowska, 2014. "Human Capital as a Challenge for Economics Theory," International Journal of Management, Knowledge and Learning, ToKnowPress, vol. 3(2), pages 217-240.
    • Handle: RePEc:tkp:jouijm:v:3:y:2014:i:2:p:217-240
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Burton A. Weisbrod, 1962. "Education and Investment in Human Capital," NBER Chapters, in: Investment in Human Beings, pages 106-123, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    2. Blaug, Mark, 1976. "The Empirical Status of Human Capital Theory: A Slightly Jaundiced Survey," Journal of Economic Literature, American Economic Association, vol. 14(3), pages 827-855, September.
    3. Gary S. Becker, 1994. "Introduction to the Second Edition of Human Capital: A Theoretical and Empirical Analysis with Special Reference to Education," NBER Chapters, in: Human Capital: A Theoretical and Empirical Analysis with Special Reference to Education, Third Edition, pages 3-10, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    4. Jacob A. Mincer, 1974. "Introduction to "Schooling, Experience, and Earnings"," NBER Chapters, in: Schooling, Experience, and Earnings, pages 1-4, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    5. Burton A. Weisbrod, 1962. "Education and Investment in Human Capital," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 70(5), pages 106-106.
    6. Gary S. Becker, 1994. "Introduction to the First Edition of Human Capital: A Theoretical and Empirical Analysis with Special Reference to Education," NBER Chapters, in: Human Capital: A Theoretical and Empirical Analysis with Special Reference to Education, Third Edition, pages 11-14, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    7. Gary S. Becker, 1975. "Summary and Conclusions, Human Capital: A Theoretical and Empirical Analysis, with Special Reference to Education, Second Edition," NBER Chapters, in: Human Capital: A Theoretical and Empirical Analysis, with Special Reference to Education, Second Edition, pages 231-237, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    8. Jacob A. Mincer, 1974. "Schooling, Experience, and Earnings," NBER Books, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc, number minc74-1, June.
    9. Gary S. Becker, 1975. "Human Capital: A Theoretical and Empirical Analysis, with Special Reference to Education, Second Edition," NBER Books, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc, number beck75-1, June.
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