Exploring the Influence of Digitalization on Global Talent Management

In parallel with business developments, the scholarly conversation about digitalization of Global Talent Management (GTM) has taken off with the focus on specific aspects of digitalization, primarily electronic HRM. We make a step further and move the scholarly discovery toward the empirical exploration of an impact of digitalization on GTM, and analyze the more all-encompassing transformations of digitalization and the longer-term and larger-picture implications of digitalization of GTM. By analyzing qualitative data from 40 largest Finnish companies, we increase the theoretical and empirical understanding of the perceived importance of Digitalization-GTM relationship, and examine whether, and in what ways, digitalization transforms GTM. We formulate a unique company typology, which serves as a framework for distinguishing organizations based on the way digitalization transforms their GTM systems. We also provide practical guidance for top management and talent management leaders on how to best utilize and adopt digitalization to serve the goals of GTM.