Socio-Economic Determinants of the Value Attributed to Human Capital in the Labour Market from the Employee’s Perspective

Abstract

The aim of this study is to analyse the variables related to knowledge (Talent Management and Training) as a source of human capital in the companies listed in the ranking of the most attractive organisations within the Spanish labour market, published annually by the journal Actualidad Económica (period 2016–2022). We seek to determine the socio-economic variables impacting this assessment, while also exploring the sustainability of the companies in the ranking. Ten hypotheses are thus examined by descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and multiple linear regression models. The results show a significant relationship between permanence, nationality, professional–scientific–technical sector, size, stock market listing, and both variables representative of knowledge in the ranked companies. Focusing on Talent Management, it is noted that permanence in the ranking (>4 years), Anglo-Saxon nationality, being active in the professional, scientific, and technical sector, and being listed on the stock market all play a part. However, Training differs in that size is a factor that positively influences valuation, whereas the international area is irrelevant. Our findings are a key contribution, as there are no previous applied studies that correlate knowledge in the business environment, the valuation of organisations from the employee’s perspective, and several socio-economic variables.