COMPETENCY SUPPLY WITHIN A MUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATION - A Talent Management Perspective in Public Elderly Care

Abstract

Purpose: There is a lack of knowledge concerning how the public sector engages with the phenomenon of Talent Management, and how the public context pressure this work. Thus, the aim of this thesis relates to these notions and explores these subjects through the following research questions: Viewed from a broad and critical lens: how does the theoretical concept of talent management compare to a competency supply strategy in a public elderly care administration in Sweden? Viewed from an institutional perspective: What internal and external factors pressure the creation and implementation of a public elderly care administration’s competency supply strategy, and what does this imply for public sector TM implementation? Theory: The first theory used was Talent Management as a theoretical lens. Institutional theory was used to analyse internal and external pressures. Method: A qualitative case study within a public elderly care industry in Sweden, consisting of eight semi-structured interviews from individuals working directly and indirectly with the creation and implementation of a competency supply strategy. Result: Results indicated that the systematic and strategic work with attraction, recruitment, development and training, and retention related to the theoretical concept of Talent Management. An inclusive approach to Talent Management was also found. Results further highlighted the importance of including the institutional perspective from several angles, both internally and externally.