Talent retention in Indian public sector units (PSUs): an empirical investigation

Abstract

PurposeIn response to scholarly calls, this study aims to explore the persuasive predictors including (job security, autonomy, work-life balance, culture and climate, career growth, leadership style and support, training and development and reward, recognition and pay) of talent retention in Indian PSUs by emphasising the commonalities and differences between different category of employees from different cohorts based on their contribution in the prime function of the business.Design/methodology/approachA self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 472 employees from selected organisations through Multistage sampling technique and Simple random sampling technique. Data were analysed using tests such as logistic regression, MANOVA, post hoc Tukey in SPSS 20.FindingsJob security, autonomy, career growth and culture and climate are the persuasive predictors of talent retention in Indian PSUs. However, there is a significant interaction effect of age and job standard on job security. Job security and perceived employability do not relate to age for core category employees rather possess identical perception than other employee category. Findings indicate that identifying the position to be retained is more viable than a common retention strategy.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the existing knowledge of talent retention by exploring novel insights in comprehending the commonalities and differences of different employee category at all level from different cohorts, sharing different responsibilities in the prime function of the business that has largely been ignored. The study can succour in improving performance and cost-effective retention strategy.