An exploratory study of trending talent acquisition tools and techniques in the South African context

Abstract

The review of talent acquisition tools and techniques used in South Africa is not widely available in literature. To implement and utilise appropriate tools and techniques to foster talent acquisition and maintain competitive advantage in this regard, organisations need to keep their finger on the pulse. Therefore, the subsequent research aimed to provide greater insight. The purpose of the dissertation was to review current literature on global trends of talent acquisition tools and techniques, thereafter provide insight on the trending tools and techniques used in the South African context. Along with the reported trends, their impacts and best practice were reviewed. Due to the dire need for South African context-based research on talent acquisition tools and techniques used, this study reports on empirical results as informed by some of South Africa’s largest insurers. The empirical results were obtained by using a qualitative research method with an interpretative approach. Qualitative surveys in the form of semi-structured interviews were used as the data collection tool to extract the relevant information from the three participating organisations. Thematic analysis was used to thoroughly analyse and structure the raw data. The main findings reflected that each organisation makes use of talent acquisition mechanisms as they see fit with a steady incline in the use of digital and online tools and techniques. The impacts and best practices and policies applied are further discussed although the consensus leans towards reasonable accommodation and emphasis on diversity and inclusion. The dissertation contributed to talent acquisition practices as the empirical findings reflected practices which are relatable and representative of similar organisations’ current way of work. More so, the literature reviewed is current and informative.