Aligning Talent Acquisition Practices to Strategic Business Objectives

Abstract

In this article, I outline five different ways in which the talent acquisition function can contribute to strategic business objectives. First, it is necessary to hire employees who are empathetic to the business values, as talent which is able to empathetically connect to end users of business propositions can build enduring value. Second, while building firm-specific human capital has been seen as a difficult project, appropriate talent acquisition practices could signal how specific forms of human capital can flourish in unique organisational ecosystems. Third, talent acquisition can help in building a healthy mix of perspectives by drawing talent from outside to collaborate with internal talent and ensure that there is a constant regeneration of strategic perspectives. Fourth, the talent acquisition function can anticipate technological disruptions and identify talent with high learning agility that can help navigate organisations through such disruptions. Fifth, the talent acquisition practices can resonate with business strategy by being cognizant of business cycles of expansion and efficiency in enabling hiring decisions.