Weathering the storm: talent management in internationally oriented Greek small and medium-sized enterprises

Purpose: Based on a study of internationally oriented Greek small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and using the lens of institutional theory, this article extends our understanding of the extent to which Greece’s institutional context influences talent management (TM). In so doing, we focused on key TM practices employed by SMEs to enhance and sustain TM: talent acquisition, development and retention. We also explore how these practices are shaped by the Greek institutional context.

Design/methodology/approach: Employing a multiple case-study approach, we conducted 18 interviews in six distinctive SMEs operating in north, central and southern Greece. The data was thematically analysed to identify patterns across all SMEs.

Findings: We found that unlike multinational corporations (MNCs), internationally oriented Greek SMEs adopt a more inclusive approach to TM practices as well as that the country’s institutional context presented important yet not deterministic hurdles. We also found that SMEs adopt an opportunistic approach to talent acquisition by utilising appropriate available sources to reach out for available talent. We provided evidence that SMEs adopt a hybrid approach to talent development in addressing talent scarcity. Finally, we reported that talent retention is significantly appreciated by SMEs, who offer a range of intrinsic and extrinsic incentives to retain their talented workforce.

Practical implications: This study provides stakeholders with insights into how effective TM practices can be considered a lifeline to organisational sustainability—particularly for SMEs in the contemporary challenging and fiercely competitive business environment. It also highlights the potential of inclusive TM practices to be part of an effective workforce management strategy: relative to the prevailing institutional dynamic, stakeholders (policymakers and HR practitioners) must engage in the multiple areas of individual talent acquisition, development and retention.

Originality/value: In a context of reforms, we report on TM practice in internationally oriented Greek SMEs. We also add to the literature on TM in SMEs by providing evidence on the conceptualisation and management of global talent in this context.