Applying Intellectual Capital Process Model for Creating a Defensive Protection System to Local Traditional Knowledge: the Case of Mea‑hiya Community

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the implementation of intellectual capital process to manage the traditional knowledge of the community. This qualitative research was conducted through an exploratory method in co‑operation with the Mea‑hiya Community Cultural Council, Chiang Mai, Thailand. A four step‑ approach IC process was recommended; this was aimed at the successful acquisition of the proposed model. The research demonstrates the intellectual capital process model's usefulness. Not only does the model encourage the community to formulate strategies from the stakeholders, but it also puts the strategy in practice because it is grounded in the stakeholders' needs and expectations. The process is more quantifiable by having key success factors' indicators measuring the traditional knowledge capital. The discussion leads to the formulation of a defensive protection system. The outcome of the community's traditional knowledge leans toward a local community‑based organizational paradigm. Consequently, the Mea‑hiya community pointed out the strategy to conserve and protect traditional knowledge by creating a defensive protection system which is incompliance to the WIPO & UNESCO framework (conserve, transmit, and protect of traditional knowledge). This paper allows practitioners to reflect on a case for implementing an IC process to manage cultural traditional knowledge.