Talent management strategies at a private higher education institution : a case study of MANCOSA.

Abstract

Talent management, an integrated system of recruitment, development and retention of the required human capital at all organisational levels, is at the forefront of business agendas. Considering the skills shortage in South Africa, talent management is expected to remain a business imperative. The importance of talent management stems from its role in achieving competitive advantage in order to realise the strategy of the organisation. The same can be achieved for academic institutions that embrace the strategies of talent management in order to stem off similar challenges as the business world. The growing emerging market economies, ever changing business conditions and the complexity of global business have created increased demand for highly talented individuals. This research project seeks to investigate talent management practices and strategies of the business world and adapt these to higher education institutions, namely the Management College of Southern Africa (MANCOSA), in order to better manage talent. The research methodology that was used for this study was qualitative in nature and consisted of a questionnaire. Personnel at MANCOSA were surveyed regarding talent management at MANCOSA. The results of the survey were analysed and recommendations were then extracted from the conclusions drawn. The research found that the main constructs with regards to talent management at MANCOSA were positive work attributes, personal workplace opportunities, personal job experience, company retention attributes, attraction capabilities, ability to cope in the work place, requested retention activities, personal perseverance and job knowledge. The study also recommended talent management activities associated with attraction, development, retention, and engagement from the literature reviewed. Finally, the study revealed that a wide range of talent management activities can be utilised by Higher Education Institutions to better manage the process of identifying and retaining talented individuals. This study can benefit higher education institutions in identifying talent management issues, and recommends activities that can be undertaken to address the retention of talented staff.