Evaluation of talent management strategy in fulfilling business objectives: a case study at Toyota South Africa motors.

Abstract

Toyota South Africa Motors is the leading Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in South Africa. In the recent years, the industry has become very competitive. To remain on top and beat the competition, new targets to maintain and increase leadership as well as conquer Africa has been set. Business strategy and talent management alignment is the key for business success. The aim of the study is to ascertain talent management relationship with business strategy to fulfil TSAM vision of increasing market leadership in South Africa and becoming the mother plant in Africa. Recruiting and retaining best talent, implementing a clear succession plan and employee competency development will ensure that Toyota South Africa Motors will have the right talent to achieve business objectives and realize the vision of the company. The research question is whether there is the relationship between talent management strategy and the achievement of business objectives. This is a case study undertaken at Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM). This research is a quantitative research study and the approach that will be followed is a deductive approach. The probability sample of 152 respondents was drawn from a population of 243. The sample was broken down into 22 senior managers, 60 managers and 70 specialists/principal engineers & other (10/11) specialists/principal engineers. Primary data was collected using a questionnaire survey that was personally administered by the researcher. The overall results of the study revealed that TSAM talent management pillars, namely recruitment and retention and competency development, gave some positive results but require some improvements. Whereas, succession planning on the other hand, is not going well and requires urgent attention in order to maintain competitive advantage and realize the vision of becoming the mother plant in Africa. It is recommended that a further study be undertaken to understand the impact of the influence that talent management strategy and business objectives relationship has on employee wellbeing.