The Evolving Potential of Talent Management in Poland

Objective: The objective of this article is to identify and assess recent progress in talent management (TM) among Poland’s MNEs. This article focuses on establishing a better understanding of TM practices in Poland at a time when its economy is becoming increasingly global and its young workforce is ready to move beyond the cultural constraints of its Communist past. Research Design & Methods: The authors used a quantitative research design through an on-line survey. It was supplemented by post-survey interviews designed to help interpret the survey findings. A total of 83 MNEs in Poland responded to the survey. Findings: The analysis presented here contrasted the 31 MNEs that rated TM as ‘high’ in strategic importance vs. the 22 companies that rated it ‘low’ in strategic importance. Six variables differentiated the ‘high’ vs. ‘low’ TM importance companies at the 0.05 level of confidence or beyond. Implications & Recommendations: The discussion focuses on the continued need to improve TM/HRM practices among MNEs in Poland, the need to develop a Polish approach to TM, and reasons for optimism regarding TM in Poland in the decades ahead. The paper concludes with a recommendation to adopt learning organization practices to improve TM and to provide an enhanced competitive advantage for Polish MNEs in the global economy. Contribution & Value Added: The paper offers insights into the national policies, research agendas, and workplace practices needed to move Poland forward in its quest to meet the talent requirements of its emergent global economy.