EFQM model: knowledge governance and competitive advantage

Purpose – There is a clear recognition that strategic management models are frameworks for achieving sustainable competitive advantage. In this sense, excellence models are directly related to intellectual capital models. The purpose of this paper is to trace and define the relation between several EFQM criteria and the components of 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 focuses on a 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.