A typology of talent management in aerospace micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises

Abstract

This article contributes to talent management (TM) research by offering a comprehensive view of TM in the micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) context. It captures and categorizes TM practices according to differences in formality and inclusivity, employee participation in TM, and market orientation. On the basis of 31 in-depth interviews with the top managers of 27 aerospace companies in Luxembourg, we propose a typology of TM in MSMEs. We identify differences in how companies define and manage talent and propose three main types of TM, namely, “planned,” “proactive,” and “reactive.” “Planned” TM sustains organizational growth through the focus on systematically assessing needs and anticipating the future. In contrast, “proactive” TM tests different TM methods to adapt to perceived needs and build the business further. Finally, “reactive” TM focuses on filling the current skill gap to maintain the existing market.