A system dynamics model of the talent pipeline for strategic responsiveness at DUT

Abstract

Continuing concerns about quality issues related to the higher education landscape have given impetus to the urgent need for effective human resources talent management. Guided by this, employee engagement represents important human capital whose performance plays an important predictive role in universities achieving sustained success. Related to this challenge, the current study had the primary aim of identifying the cause and effect of talent variables that influence the different components of talent and strategic outcomes. Through a qualitative multi-approach design, data was collected via a combination of document analysis and semi-structured interviews. Non-probability purposive sampling was used in the selection of participants. Using the Durban University of Technology as the case study, employees from the categories of senior and executive management, middle management and the general employees offered insights into DUT’s challenges with talent management and the impact on the success of a learning organisation. The study’s emergent themes were categorised thematically and the findings articulated. Key areas addressed included conceptions of a learning organisation; the role of policy rigidity in talent management; talent attraction, development and retention; quality teaching and learning as key influences to talent development; sustainability considerations in talent management; policy compliance and its contribution to the development and management of talent within the University. Using the system dynamics methodology, the research offered an in-depth understanding of the complexities inherent in the talent management process. The implication for human resources practice was primarily related to the acknowledgement that the SD approach has far greater application potential than has been acknowledged.