Exploring talent management practices in SMEs in a turbulent context: lessons from Brexit and Covid-19

Kumodji, Bertha Dzifa (2022) Exploring talent management practices in SMEs in a turbulent context: lessons from Brexit and Covid-19. Doctoral thesis, Birmingham City University.

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Abstract

Talent management is a rapidly evolving subject of study. At all levels of an organisation, talent is critical to success. When managed properly, it has a beneficial effect on the bottom line. As a result, talent management has become a critical strategic issue for businesses worldwide. However, there is a dearth of research on applying TM concepts and practices in various corporate settings, including SMEs. This thesis examines TM practices in SMEs during turbulent times (Brexit and Covid-19). First, it discusses TM’s application in SMEs, followed by the current state of TM in UK SMEs and the impact of talent retention on UK SMEs during times of turbulence. Next, an integrated institutional resource-based framework is developed from human resource management and talent management fields to achieve this goal.

Two (2) case studies of SMEs operating in the UK were selected to address the research questions and validate the framework using a qualitative and abductive research approach. Twenty-eight (28) semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with owners, managers, and employees of participating companies, supplemented by qualitative documentation method, following the framework’s order and structure. According to the empirical findings, talent management practices are critical in turbulence and uncertainty for the SME sector. Finally, the integrated institutional resource-based TM framework is reviewed and modified to facilitate future researchers and practitioners’ use and expansion.

Additionally, the findings of the thesis add to the body of existing research and practice. Finally, it provides recommendations about the role of human resource management and talent management practices in enabling organisations to configure valuable and committed employees with a high level of knowledge, skills, and abilities. Overall, the study adds to a better theoretical understanding of talent management in the context of SMEs in the UK, a subject that has received little attention in the literature.

Item Type: Thesis (Doctoral)
Dates:
Date
Event
20 November 2021
Submitted
27 July 2022
Accepted
Uncontrolled Keywords: Talent management, human resource management, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), turbulent contexts, Brexit, Covid 19
Subjects: CAH17 - business and management > CAH17-01 - business and management > CAH17-01-01 - business and management (non-specific)
Divisions: Doctoral Research College > Doctoral Theses Collection
Faculty of Business, Law and Social Sciences > College of Accountancy, Finance and Economics
Faculty of Business, Law and Social Sciences > College of Business, Digital Transformation & Entrepreneurship
Depositing User: Jaycie Carter
Date Deposited: 23 Sep 2022 14:52
Last Modified: 20 Jun 2024 12:05
URI: https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/13601

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