An exploration of talent management practices in South African higher education institutions

Abstract

Objectives: Talent management (TM) and its practices are popular topics of discussion in the work context. These practices, however, have never been studied in the context of South African higher education institutions (HEIs). This study aims to identify what TM practices are prevalent in South African HEIs, as well as the extent to which they are applied in the institutions. Method: A quantitative research approach, using survey research, was followed in this study. The Job Characteristics scale, Satisfaction with Talent Management questionnaire, and the Intention to Quit questionnaire were administered to academics in the higher education sector across South Africa (N=146). Results: This study provides a view on current and perceived TM practices in HEIs in South Africa, as well as the extent to which these are applied, by looking at academics’ satisfaction with the TM practices, and their intention to resign from the HEIs. Academics also perceive more talent demands than talent enablers in their work. Conclusions: Despite a continuous proliferation of research on TM and its practices in the organisational context, little research could be found relating to the TM practices in the higher education sector in South Africa. The present research study makes an important contribution towards increasing the current knowledge on current TM practices and their perceived importance in South African HEIs.