Title: Psychological ownership as a requisite for talent retention: the voice of highly skilled employees

Authors: Chantal Olckers; Yvonne Du Plessis

Addresses: Department of Human Resource Management, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X 20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa ' Graduate School of Business and Government Leadership, North-West University (Mafikeng Campus), P.O. Box X 2046, Mmabatho, South Africa

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to identify and clarify the elements and possible role of psychological ownership in highly skilled employees' retention. The methodology encompasses a qualitative research design. Data were analysed through thematic analysis and compared with the theoretical elements of psychological ownership. The findings indicate that highly skilled employees identify with the elements of psychological ownership. Contextual factors, especially structural aspects, including clear communication, relationship building, clear direction and goal alignment, ethical conduct, recognition and acknowledgement and leadership, surfaced more explicitly as requisites for talent retention.

Keywords: psychological ownership; skilled employees; organisational effectiveness; talent management; talent retention; employee retention; skills retention; clear communication; relationship building; clear direction; goal alignment; ethical conduct; recognition; acknowledgement; leadership.

DOI: 10.1504/EJIM.2015.066671

European Journal of International Management, 2015 Vol.9 No.1, pp.52 - 73

Published online: 31 Dec 2014 *

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