Talents Building an Endo-Organization

Abstract

This paper aims at contributing to the talent management and organization research fields by investigating the mechanisms and consequences of elite construction through an exclusive talent management program in a multinational company (MNC). We conducted an exploratory single-case study in a MNC operating in 17 countries by interviewing HR managers as representatives of top management and participants in a talent management program in seven countries. Other data sources included non-participant observation and the use of internal and external documents. Our results show that talents develop a common elite identity based on exclusiveness, power and privileges through the mechanisms of performing rituals, acculturation through symbols, preferential treatment, social networking and acquisition of insider knowledge. We go further by arguing that talents build a distinct organization within the MNC, which we name endo-organization. It has noticeable shared values and attitudes and clear organizational boundari...