IC Disclosure in Digital Communication

This chapter explores intellectual capital (IC) disclosure in digital communication channels. To explore IC disclosure in digital communication, this study focuses specifically on Internet Stock Message Boards (IMBs) that represent a digital communication channel where investors can discuss specifically listed companies. This study is novel since it focuses on ICD assuming an investor perspective and investigates if and how much investors discuss IC. The research finds that investors use new media to acquire, discuss, and share information about companies and they discuss different IC elements according to the sector of the company. Additionally, topics discussed by investors do not match previous frameworks used in ICD research. Finally, messages containing ICD more likely disclose investor’s sentiment (e.g., hold, buy, or sell), showing that IC matters to investors to justify their opinion about company’s future.