Talent Management Research in a VUCA World: A Bibliometric and Systematic Literature Review

Authors

  • Riska Firdaus Department of Public Administration, Faculty of Social Science and Political Science, Hasanuddin University, Makassar
  • Muhammad Yunus Department of Public Administration, Faculty of Social Science and Political Science, Hasanuddin University, Makassar
  • Muhammad Rusdi Department of Public Administration, Faculty of Social Science and Political Science, Hasanuddin University, Makassar
  • Muhammad Akmal Ibrahim Department of Public Administration, Faculty of Social Science and Political Science, Hasanuddin University, Makassar

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18502/kss.v10i18.19526

Keywords:

talent management, VUCA environment, bibliometric analysis

Abstract

This research examines the development of talent management studies within a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) context through an integrated bibliometric analysis and systematic literature review. Based on 231 publications from 2020 to early 2025, it identifies major patterns, thematic areas, cross-disciplinary links, and geographic trends shaping the field. The bibliometric review shows a notable increase in academic focus after the pandemic, influenced by the rising strategic role of talent management in digital changes, sustainability issues, and workforce robustness. Thematic analysis emphasizes transitioning from traditional HR practices to creating flexible talent networks, incorporating insights from business, social sciences, environmental studies, and information technology. The study also emphasizes an increasing contribution from developing nations, indicating the importance of adopting local-global talent strategies. Though comprehensive, the study recognizes limitations, such as excluding nonindexed sources and not conducting a detailed qualitative analysis. The results provide valuable insights for both researchers and practitioners seeking to develop resilient, sustainable, and adaptable talent management strategies suited to the complexities of today’s organizational environment.

References

[1] Sindila A, Foss NJ, Zhan X. Building Resilience for Surviving and Thriving in a VUCA Context. AIB Insights. 2023;23(3):1–7.

[2] Samuel I, Isa MY. The Mediating Role of Talent Management in Succession Planning and Private Organization Sustainability: A Conceptual Article. J. Curr. Soc. Polit. Issues. 2024;2(1):22–33.

[3] Adelaine MK, Mandisi R, Andani N. The Impact of COVID-19 on Selected Human Resource Management Functions: Recruitment & Selection, Talent Management and Performance Management. Int. J. Appl. Res. Bus. Manag. 2024;5(1):159–79.

[4] Astuti D, Djati SP, Santosa W. The Effect of Agile Leadership. Organizational Culture and Dynamic Capabilities on Organization Agility Mediated by Innovation in Automotive Manufacturing Companies. 2023;4(6):2805–20.

[5] Venkatesh AN. Global Talent Management Strategies for Organizational Success in a VUCA World - A Conceptual Framework. Int J Manag Rev. 2016;04(02):17–30.

[6] Husen S, Wahidah RN, Mustajab D. Evolution of HRM Strategies in the Digital Age: A Comprehensive Review. Amkop Manag. Account. Rev. 2024;4(1):42–58.

[7] Rosemary A, Chinwendu EN, J CD. Employee Engagement, Organizational Intimacy and Talent Management: A Common Buzz Phrase in the Human Resource Development. Int J Innov Res Dev. 2020;9(12):2018–21.

[8] Al Haziazi M. Development of Framework for Talent Management in the Global Context. Open J. Bus. Manag. 2021;09(04):1771–81.

[9] Tranfield D, Denyer D, Smart P; D. D. and P. S. D. Tranfield. Towards a Methodology for Developing Evidence-Informed Management Knowledge by Means of Systematic Review*. Br J Manage. 2023;14(3):207–22.

[10] Collings DG, Mellahi K, Cascio WF. Global Talent Management and Performance in Multinational Enterprises: A Multilevel Perspective. J Manage. 2019;45(2):540–66.

[11] Sahakiants M. I., & Festing, “Inclusive talent management: bridging talent philosophy and diversity management.,”. Hum Resour Manage Rev. 2023;33(1):100873.

[12] J. Barney, “Firm Reources ad Sustained Competitive Advantege,” 1991.

[13] Yuniati E, Soetjipto BE, Wardoyo T, Sudarmiatin S, Nikmah F. Talent management and organizational performance: the mediating role of employee engagement. Manag Sci Lett. 2021;11(9):2341–6.

[14] Knies E, Boselie P, Gould-Williams J, Vandenabeele W. Strategic human resource management and public sector performance: context matters. Int J Hum Resour Manag. 2024;35(14):2432–44.

[15] Ghobakhloo S. M., Iranmanesh, M., Rezaei, S., & Jayashree, “Digitally-enabled talent management: A multi-level perspective,”. Int J Inf Manage. 2022;63:102436.

[16] P. Sparrow, C. Brewster, and H. Harris, Globalizing Human Resource Management (Global HRM)-Routledge (2004).pdf. 2004.

[17] Kraus S, Durst S, Ferreira JJ, Veiga P, Kailer N, Weinmann A. Digital transformation in business and management research: an overview of the current status quo. Int J Inf Manage. 2022;63(August):2020.

[18] Meyer KE, Peng MW. Theoretical foundations of emerging economy business research. J Int Bus Stud. 2016;47(1):3–22.

[19] Zhao C, Cooke FL, Wang Z. Human resource management in China: what are the key issues confronting organizations and how can research help? Asia Pac J Hum Resour. 2021;59(3):357–73.

[20] van Zyl A. L., & van der Merwe, “Human resource transformation in the South African public sector: bridging capacity and inclusivity,”. African J. Public Aff. 2022;11(2):43– 60.

[21] W. Scott, R., “William Richard Dick Scott - Institutions and Organizations_ Ideas, Interests, and Identities (2013, SAGE).pdf,” 2014.

[22] Montero Guerra JM, Danvila-del-Valle I, Méndez Suárez M. The impact of digital transformation on talent management. Technol Forecast Soc Change. 2023;188(December):2022.

[23] Pandey SK, Vishwakarma SS; Santosh Kumar Pandey; Shiv Sagar Vishwakarma. Reskilling and Upskilling Initiatives in the Indian Industrial Sector. J. Adv. Sch. Res. Allied Educ. 2024;21(5):4–7.

[24] Bissola R, Imperatori B. Facing e-HRM: the consequences on employee attitude towards the organisation and the HR department in Italian SMEs. Eur J Int Manag. 2013;7(4):450–68.

Downloads

Published

2025-09-02

How to Cite

Firdaus, R., Yunus, M., Rusdi, M., & Ibrahim, M. A. (2025). Talent Management Research in a VUCA World: A Bibliometric and Systematic Literature Review. KnE Social Sciences, 10(18), 1093–1111. https://doi.org/10.18502/kss.v10i18.19526