In this study, we examined the relationship between ownership structures and intellectual capital efficiency, employing an innovative approach that decomposes structural capital into customer, process, and innovation capital components within the unique context of the Iranian economy. We utilized data from 1,376 firm-year observations of 172 companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange from 2013 to 2020. The findings revealed that family, institutional, and multi-level ownership structures have a positive and significant relationship with overall intellectual capital (IC) efficiency and its key components: human capital and structural capital. Crucially, the analysis of disaggregated structural capital yields differentiated strategic insights: While these ownership types show positive associations with customer and process capital, a significant negative relationship emerges between multi-level ownership structures and innovation capital. This novel finding highlights how distinct ownership types adopt divergent strategies for managing intangible assets. The research provides valuable insights for policymakers, investors, and corporate managers aiming to optimize ownership structures and enhance intellectual capital management in emerging markets.

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