In this paper, the strategic significance of intellectual skill theory and skill formation research in the workplace was clarified. In RBV, the occupation and accumulation of firm-specific resources leads the firm as a production function to competitive advantage. From the viewpoint of the exploitation of valuable resources and capabilities, I analyzed how intellectual skills contribute to a firmʼs competitive advantage. Intellectual skills as a capability to deal with uncertainties and changes not only enhances the efficiency of the usage of resources by mastering the skills themselves but also eliminate waste in production processes by development and routinization of know-how.
The strategic significance of intellectual skill theory is that using the strict research method, it clarified the mechanism for accumulating the firm-specific skills of employees without using the peculiarities of Japanese-style management. Thatʼs why it has succeeded in micro-founding the competitive advantage of firm-specific management resources in RBV.
In addition, intellectual skills highlight the aspect of intellectual “judgment” in the practices of employees. Judgment is an intellectual stage that combines knowledge and realizes a “leap of knowledge”, which greatly contributes to creativity. This can be a source of long-term competitive advantage, not in the sense of generating an economic rent, but in creatively solving problems and flexibly adapting to the environment.
