Talent Management and Leadership Reciprocity: The case of the South African Aviation Industry

Abstract

The talent mindset of an organisation is a critical success factor which can enhance its capability in driving its strategic objectives. The main objective of this research was to explore employee perceptions of leadership reciprocity in the application of talent management practices in the aviation industry. An adapted version of the Talent Mindset Index was administered among a convenience sample of employees in the South African Aviation Industry (N=150). The results showed that in general that leaders lack a talent mindset and reciprocity towards talent strategies, talent acquisition practices and talent retention practices. In addition, the leadership commitment towards talent management practices was low. This research highlighted the importance of effectively applying talent management practices in an industry where talented employees are scarce. Therefore leaders need to be equipped with the necessary business acumen to make talent management both a strategic and operation priority in the South African aviation industry. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n9p11