How Do Tunisian International Companies Identify Their Talent Pools?

Authors

Dr. Imen Zamit

Department of Management, IAE Savoie Mont Blanc, Annecy, France and Department of Management, Institute for Research in Management and Economics, University Savoie Mont Blanc, Annecy, France (France)

Pr. Lassaad LAKHAL

Department of Management, Faculty of Economic Sciences and Management, University Sousse, LAMIDED Research Laboratory, Sousse –Tunisia (France)

Article Information

DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS.2025.914MG00232

Subject Category: Management

Volume/Issue: 9/14 | Page No: 3030-3041

Publication Timeline

Submitted: 2025-12-01

Accepted: 2025-12-06

Published: 2025-12-09

Abstract

The present work aimed to explore the process for identifying talent pools within Tunisian companies to implement individual development plans, thereby reducing brain drain abroad. Despite the importance of this research topic for the labor market, it remains little explored by practitioners and theorists in the field of talent management. In response to this challenge, we conducted 45 semi-structured interviews with human resources professionals and talent pools from five international Tunisian companies specializing in IT (Sofrecom, Vermeg, and Leoni) and telecommunications (Orange Group and Ooredoo). The data were analyzed using NVivo 10 software based on thematic content analysis. The findings enabled us to present the characteristics of a talented employee and the talent management practices used by human resources managers to identify key individuals in the Tunisian context.

Keywords

Talent, performance, potential, competency, talent review

Downloads

References

1. Aguinis, H. (2013). Performance Management. (S. Yagan, Ed.) New Jersey, One Lake Street. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Allen, D. G., Bryant, P. C., and Vardaman, J. M. (2010). Retaining talent: Replacing misconceptions with evidence-based strategies. Academy of management Perspectives, Vol. 24, n°2, p. 48-64. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Ashton, C., and Morton, L. (2005). Managing talent for competitive advantage: Taking a systemic approach to talent management. Strategic HR review. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Baldwin, T. T., Bommer, W., and Rubin, R. S. (2013). Managing organizational behavior: What great managers know and do (p. 624). McGraw-Hill Irwin. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Becker, B. E., Huselid, M. A., and Beatty, R. W. (2009). The differentiated workforce: Translating talent into strategic impact. Harvard Business Press. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Beechler, S., and Woodward, I. C. (2009). The global “war for talent”. Journal of international management,Vol. 15,n° 3,p. 273-285. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Björkman, I., Ehrnrooth, M., Mäkelä, K., Smale, A., and Sumelius, J. (2013). Talent or not? Employee reactions to talent identification. Human Resource Management, Vol. 52, n° 2, p. 195-214. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Boselie, P., Dietz, G., and Boon, C. (2005). Commonalities and contradictions in HRM and performance research. Human resource management journal,Vol. 15, n° 3,p. 67-94. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. Boudreau, J. W., and Ramstad, P. M. (2007). Beyond HR: The new science of human capital. Harvard Business Press. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. Boudreau, J. W., and Ramstad, P. M. (2005). Talentship, talent segmentation, and sustainability: A new HR decision science paradigm for a new strategy definition. Human Resource Management: Published in Cooperation with the School of Business Administration, The University of Michigan and in alliance with the Society of Human Resources Management, Vol. 44, n° 2,p. 129-136. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

11. Bothner, M. S., Podolny, J. M., and Smith, E. B. (2011). Organizing contests for status: The Matthew effect vs. the Mark effect. Management Science, Vol. 57, n° 3, p. 439-457. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

12. Buckingham, M., and Vosburgh, R. M. (2001). The 21st century human resources function: It's the talent, stupid!. Human Resource Planning, Vol. 24, n° 4. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

13. Cappelli, P. (2008). Talent management for the twenty-first century. Harvard business review, Vol. 86, n° 3, p. 74. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

14. Cascio, W. F. (2006). The economic impact of employee behaviors on organizational performance. In America at work (pp. 241-256). Palgrave Macmillan, New York. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

15. Coff, R., and Kryscynski, D. (2011). Invited editorial: Drilling for micro-foundations of human capital–based competitive advantages. Journal of management,Vol. 37, n° 5, p. 1429-1443. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

16. Collings, D. G., Mellahi, K., and Cascio, W. F. (2019). Global talent management and performance in multinational enterprises: A multilevel perspective. Journal of management,Vol. 45, n° 2, p. 540-566. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

17. Collings, D. G., and Mellahi, K. (2009). Strategic talent management: A review and research agenda. Human resource management review, vol. 19, n° 4, p. 304-313. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

18. Corbin, J., and Strauss, A. (2008). Strategies for qualitative data analysis. Basics of Qualitative Research. Techniques and procedures for developing grounded theory. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

19. Crain, D. W. (2009). Only the right people are strategic assets of the firm. Strategy & Leadership, Vol. 37, n° 6, p. 33-38. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

20. Dai, G., Tang, K. Y., and Feil, J. (2014). Fast-rising talent: Highly learning agile people get promoted at double speed. Los Angeles, CA: Korn Ferry Institute. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

21. Davies, B., and Davies, B. J. (2010). Talent management in academies. International Journal of Educational Management. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

22. Dejoux C. and Thévenet M. (2010), La gestion des talents: La GRH d'après-crise. Dunod. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

23. Dejoux, C., and Thévenet, M. (2015). La gestion des talents-2e éd. Dunod. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

24. Dries, N., Pepermans, R., and Carlier, O. (2008). Career success: Constructing a multidimensional model. Journal of Vocational Behavior, Vol. 73, n° 2, p. 254-267. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

25. Ericsson, K.A., Prietula, M.J. and Cokely, E. T. (2007). The making of an expert. Harvard Business Review, Vol. 85, n° 7-8, p. 114-121. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

26. Festing, M., Schäfer, L., and Scullion, H. (2013). Talent management in medium-sized German companies: an explorative study and agenda for future research. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, Vol. 24, n° 9, p. 1872-1893. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

27. Gagné, F. (2000). Understanding the complex choreography of talent development through DMGT-based analysis. International handbook of giftedness and talent, Vol. 2, p. 7-79. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

28. Gallardo-Gallardo, E., Dries, N., and González-Cruz, T. F. (2013). What is the meaning of ‘talent’in the world of work?. Human Resource Management Review, Vol. 23, n° 4, p. 290-300. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

29. Gallardo Gallardo, E., and Thunnissen, M. (2016). Standing on the shoulders of giants? A critical review of empirical talent management research. Employee Relations, Vol. 38, n° 1, p. 31-56. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

30. Gallardo-Gallardo, E., and Thunnissen, M. (2019). Talent Management: Disentangling Key Ideas. The SAGE Handbook of Human Resource Management, p.164. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

31. Groysberg, B., Nanda, A., and Nohria, N. (2004). The risky business of hiring stars. Harvard business review, Vol. 82, n° 5, p. 92-101. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

32. Heinen, J. S., and O'Neill, C. (2004). Managing talent to maximize performance. Employment Relations Today, Vol. 31, n° 2, p. 67. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

33. Hentz, P. (2012). Case study: the method In Munhall, P. L. (Ed.), Nursing Research: A qualitative perspective, n° 5, p.359-369. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

34. Hinrichs, J. R. (1966). High-talent personnel; managing a critical resource. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

35. Iles, P., Chuai, X., and Preece, D. (2010). Talent management and HRM in multinational companies in Beijing: Definitions, differences and drivers. Journal of world Business, Vol. 45, n° 2, p. 179-189. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

36. Iles, P., Preece, D., and Chuai, X. (2010). Talent management as a management fashion in HRD: Towards a research agenda. Human Resource Development International, Vol. 13, n° 2, p.125-145. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

37. Lawler, E. E. (2008). Strategic talent management: Lessons from the corporate world. Strategic Management of Human Capital, Vol. 5, p.1-35. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

38. Lewis, R. E., and Heckman, R. J. (2006). Talent management: A critical review. Human resource management review, Vol. 16, n°2, p. 139-154. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

39. Lewis, R. E., and Heckman, R. J. (2006). Talent management: A critical review. Human resource management review, Vol.16, n °2, p.139-154. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

40. Lombardo, M. M., and Eichinger, R. W. (2000). High potentials as high learners. Human Resource Management, Vol. 39, n° 4, p. 321-329. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

41. Mäkelä, K., Björkman, I., and Ehrnrooth, M. (2010). How do MNCs establish their talent pools ? Influences on individuals’ likelihood of being labeled as talent. Journal of World Business, Vol. 45, n° 2, p. 134-142. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

42. Martin, P. (2014). La fidélisation des talents professionnels dans une logique de carrière interne. Revue de gestion des ressources humaines, n° 3, p. 18-31. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

43. Meyers, M. C., van Woerkom, M., Paauwe, J., and Dries, N. (2020). HR managers’ talent philosophies: prevalence and relationships with perceived talent management practices. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, Vol. 31, n° 4, p. 562-588. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

44. Michaels, E., Handfield-Jones, H., and Axelrod, B. (2001). The war for talent. Harvard Business Press. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

45. Mirallès, P. (2007). La gestion des talents: émergence d'un nouveau modèle de management?. Management Avenir, n° 1, p. 29-42. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

46. Mundschau, N. (2013). Recruter les jeunes talents. Paris: L’Harmattan-Collection Entreprise et Management. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

47. Muratbekova‐Touron, M., Kabalina, V., and Festing, M. (2018). The phenomenon of young talent management in Russia—A context‐embedded analysis. Human Resource Management, Vol. 57, n° 2, p. 437-455. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

48. Pachulski, A. (2010). La gestion des talents dans l’entreprise. Paris : Vocatis - Focus RH. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

49. Pepermans, R., Vloeberghs, D., and Perkisas, B. (2003). High potential identification policies: an empirical study among Belgian companies. Journal of Management Development. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

50. Peretti J.-M. (2009). Tous talentueux : Développer les talents et les potentiels dans l’entreprise, Éditions Eyrolles, Paris. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

51. Peters, T. (2006) ‘Leaders as talent fanatics: see every person as talent’, Leadership Excellence, Vol. 23, n° 11, p.12–13. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

52. Preece, D., Iles, P., and Chuai, X. (2011). Talent management and management fashion in Chinese enterprises: exploring case studies in Beijing. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, Vol. 22,n° 16,p. 3413-3428. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

53. Pruis, E. (2011). The five key principles for talent development. Industrial and commercial training. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

54. Tansley, C., Turner, P., Foster, C., Harris, L., Stewart, J., Sempik, A., and Williams, H. (2007). Talent: Strategy, management, measurement. CIPD. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

55. Tansley, C. (2011). What do we mean by the term “talent” in talent management?. Industrial and commercial training. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

56. Thévenet, M., and Dejoux, C. (2010). La gestion des talents: La GRH d'après-crise. Management Sup, Dunod ed. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

57. Trevor, C. O., Gerhart, B., and Boudreau, J. W. (1997). Voluntary turnover and job performance: Curvilinearity and the moderating influences of salary growth and promotions. Journal of applied psychology, Vol. 82, n° 1, p. 44. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

58. Silzer, R., and Dowell, B. E. (Eds.). (2009). Strategy-driven talent management: A leadership imperative (Vol. 28). John wiley & sons. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

59. Silzer, R., and Dowell, B. E. (2010). Strategic talent management matters. Strategy-driven talent management: A leadership imperative,p. 3-72. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

60. Smart, B. D. (2005), Topgrading: How Leading Companies Win by Hiring, Coaching, and Keeping the Best People, Paramus, NJ: Prentice Hall Press. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

61. Stahl, G. K., Chua, C. H., Caligiuri, P., Cerdin, J. L. E., and Taniguchi, M. (2007). International assignments as a career development tool: Factors affecting turnover intentions among executive talent. INSEAD Business School Research Paper, (2007/24). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

62. Stevenson, A. (Ed.). (2010). Oxford dictionary of English. Oxford University Press, USA. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

63. O'Reilly, C. A., and Pfeffer, J. (2000). Hidden value: How great companies achieve extraordinary results with ordinary people. Harvard Business Press. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

64. Rapley, T. (2007). Doing conversation, discourse and document analysis. London: Sage. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

65. ROGER, A. & BOUILLET, D. (2009). Talents et potentiel. in J.-M. Peretti, dir., Tous talentueux. Paris : Eyrolles - Editions d’Organisation. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

66. Ulrich, D. (2008). The talent trifecta. Development and Learning in Organizations: An International Journal. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

67. Volini, E., Schwartz, J., Roy, I., Hauptmann, M., Van Durme, Y., Denny, B., and Bersin, J. (2019). Leading the social enterprise: Reinvent with a human focus. Rapport en ligne), Deloitte Insights. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

68. Wahyuningtyas, R. (2015). An integrated talent management system: Challenges for competitive advantage. International Business Management, Vol. 9, n° 4, p. 384-390. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

69. Wang-Cowham, C. (2011). Developing talent with an integrated knowledge-sharing mechanism: an exploratory investigation from the Chinese human resource managers' perspective. Human Resource Development International, Vol. 14, n° 4, p. 391-407. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

Metrics

Views & Downloads

Similar Articles