Enhancing Talent Retention of TVET Colleges’ Lecturers through Specific Talent Management Dimensions

Abstract

Talent management (TM) is a critical strategic issue for higher education institutions (HEIs) in South Africa (SA) given its impact on institutional performance, however, retaining academic talent remains a challenge in this highly competitive work environment. This study aimed to investigate talent retention (TR) of lecturers through specific TM dimensions (i.e., talent training and development (TT&D), performance management (PM), and compensation) at public technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges in the North West province, SA. A quantitative research approach was adopted, employing a cross-sectional study that collected data from 124 lecturers using self-completed questionnaires. This study’s results revealed that a substantial number of respondents were considering leaving their employment, citing dissatisfaction with TT&D, PM, compensation, and TR practices at public TVET colleges. A high positive correlation between TT&D and TR, and between compensation and TR, and a moderate positive correlation between PM and TR were established in this study. Policymakers and practitioners can refer to the findings of this study to better understand and improve TR through enhanced TT&D, PM, and compensation practices. Strategic development of policies intended for improving TT&D, PM, compensation, and TR practices at public TVET colleges is thus highlighted.