Abstract:
This paper aims to fill a gap in research regarding talent acquisition in the context of small, medium and micro enterprises. The main question revolves around “What are the challenges faced by SMMEs in acquiring and retaining highly skilled talent?” To address this, the research undertook a qualitative research that focused on both the employer and the employees. A multiple case study approached was employed to unravel the intricacies of talent acquisition in SMMEs. This paper concentrates solely on talent acquisition and retention of scarce skills in small companies. Findings revealed challenges as dilution of university curricula, experience gap, flat organisational structure, shortage of skills and incentives and recognition issues. The Finding also revealed factors that influence scarce skilled individuals to join SMME, and the results show that broaden skill set, leadership, and company culture were critical for potential employees. Additionally strategies that SMME can adopt to attract and retain employees highlighted are offering incentives and employee’s benefits, branding and culture, active engagement with employees, and partnering with educational institutions to close the mismatch dilemma currently experienced by industry employers.
