Challenges of Talent Development Implementation Among Non-Academician Staff in a Malaysian Higher Learning Institution

Abstract

While research and implementation on the part of the industry has proven that the development of the right talent can improve productivity and provide competitive advantage, the higher education institution is still slow to act and seize the opportunity. Public universities in Malaysia are no exception in this regard and has only begun to design a more systematic talent development plan recently although the relevant circulars have been issued by the government since 2006. The case study aims to identify the problems that arise in the planning and implementation of talent development strategies at one of the public university, as well as highlighting recommendations to enable it to compete with other higher education institutions. The case study uses a qualitative approach such as interviews and analysis of official documents. Respondents consist of top management and staff involved with the implementation of the plan. The result of this study found that four (4) major obstacles to the development of talent in the public university are Management, Structural, Behavioral and Environmental factors. While still at the development stage, the university needs to ensure that planning is strategically driven and in line with the university’s missions.