Abstract:
Orientation: The pharmaceutical environment in South Africa is highly competitive,
and each player is striving for an increased share of the market. This competitive
environment has evolved over the past few years from a sales-based to a serviceorientated
environment. Clients now expect to be offered clinically based selling,
which is complemented by sound medical research. Talent retention has become a
problem in this environment with the organisation losing knowledge to its
competitors.
Research Purpose: The objective of the study was to assess whether knowledge
management can be used as a tool for talent retention in the pharmaceutical
environment. The organisation studied is referred to as Company X in this report.
The aim of this work was to define knowledge management and talent retention
clearly and then attempt to show an interrelation between these two concepts.
Research Approach, design and method: A qualitative research approach was
used in the study. Thus, constructivist grounded theory was used as a methodology
of data analysis to assist the researcher to assess information from the participant’s
perspective and to understand the depth of knowledge management and talent
retention. A sample of key opinion leaders was selected within Company X using
purposive sampling. The aim was to gain access to the knowledge that senior
managers have and then to assess how they view the talent retention and
knowledge attrition problem within that organisation. By applying an in-depth
interviewing process and data analysis, codes and themes were developed which
guided the study.
Main Findings: This research found that the loss of knowledge workers to other
organisations was a growing concern among the key opinion leaders in the
organisation studied. Knowledge management was now viewed as an important
aspect of talent retention. Subsequently, the researcher was able to formulate guidelines and
recommendations that will assist participants and the organisation studied, Company
X, to manage talent retention within that organisation.
