Nicolene Schutte (Barkhuizen), Nico Schutte, Lerato Motimele

Abstract

The Constitution of South Africa requires local government institutions to provide essential services for the greater good of society. It is widely believed that talented employees are the most important assets for ensuring service efficiency in local government. Therefore, investing in talented employees is essential to ensure continuous service performance. The primary objective of this study was to explore the current application of talent management practices in a South African local government institution. A qualitative research methodology was implemented using semi-structured interviews (N=8) with personnel of a particular local government institution. The strategic importance of talent management, talent performance management, and talent acquisition were identified as constraining factors for talent management implementation. Training and development and retention strategies were identified as enabling factors. Overall, the findings indicated that talent management needs to be addressed in the local government institution, hindering efficient service delivery. Local government institutions are urged to take note of the findings that talent management is essential for improving service delivery. Recommendations are made.