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1 – 2 of 2Folke J. Glastra and Martha Meerman
The lack of career movement of members of ethnic minority groups in work organizations has been widely documented. The purpose of this paper is to gain insight into conditions for…
Abstract
Purpose
The lack of career movement of members of ethnic minority groups in work organizations has been widely documented. The purpose of this paper is to gain insight into conditions for the realization of diversity goals in the case of talent development.
Design/methodology/approach
In a case study of management development in the Dutch national tax administration, the practice of fostering vertical mobility of ethnic minority personnel through diversity management has been analysed. The authors make use of theories regarding effective diversity management and career advancement of ethnic minority employees. Data were collected through semi‐structured interviews with 12 participants in the management development course, and a further 25 functionaries involved in the project.
Findings
With regard to diversity management as a means of fostering talent development of ethnic minorities, the authors come to the conclusion that key success factors mentioned in the literature such as top level commitment and strategic integration, are insufficient and overrated conditions. More important are “non‐issues” in the formulation of diversity strategies, organizational alignment of relevant organizational players, strategic coherence and organizational culture.
Research limitations/implications
The case study design used in this research facilitates case‐sensitive analysis, but is limited in estimations of validity and explanatory strength of factors mentioned in the literature, as it is in generalizing across organizations.
Practical implications
Interventions aimed at fostering ethnic diversity in talent development should start with precise analysis of cultural and organizational conditions and processes underpinning standard practices of talent and career development, and not only seek strategic integration and top management commitment but arrange for broad‐based organizational alignment.
Originality/value
While there are many theoretical and normative models tracing diversity outcomes to organizational conditions and diversity management strategies, there is a dearth of empirical studies in this field. The case study explores the merits of these models and adds new insights on an empirical basis.
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Thomas N. Garavan, Ronan Carbery and Andrew Rock
The purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of talent development, define its scope and identify the issues involved in formulating talent development strategies in…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of talent development, define its scope and identify the issues involved in formulating talent development strategies in organisations.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper reviews the relatively scant and fragmented literature on talent development processes.
Findings
The literature review revealed that talent development is usually discussed as part of a wider talent management process. The literature highlights issues concerning who is the talent to be developed, what competencies should be developed, who drives development, what is the appropriate pace of development and what is the architecture to support the development.
Research limitations/implications
The paper is solely theoretical in nature; however, it does identify gaps for further research.
Practice implications
The paper raises a number of important questions that should be considered by organisations when they engage in talent development.
Originality/value
The paper contributes to a perceived gap in the literature and highlights the issues that come within the terrain of talent development.
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