Human Capital in the Digital Age: Navigating Talent Retention and Upskilling Strategies for Global Competitiveness

Sri Wahyu Lelly Hana Setyanti; Nur Faliza; Andy Rustandy

doi:10.37034/jems.v7i3.88

Authors

Sri Wahyu Lelly Hana Setyanti Universitas Jember
Nur Faliza Universitas Malikussaleh
Andy Rustandy Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Ekonomi Manajemen Bisnis Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37034/jems.v7i3.88

Keywords:

Human Capital, Talent Retention, Upskilling, Digital HRM, Workforce Agility

Abstract

In the context of rapid digital transformation, human capital has become a central pillar of organizational resilience and global competitiveness. This study employs a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) of 61 peer-reviewed articles published between 2018 and 2024 to examine contemporary strategies in talent retention and upskilling within digitally evolving workplaces. The findings reveal five dominant themes: talent retention strategies, upskilling and reskilling initiatives, digital HRM systems, employee engagement, and global workforce agility. These themes highlight the growing convergence between strategic HR practices and technological advancement. Organizations that integrate personalized learning pathways, data-driven decision-making, and inclusive talent development frameworks demonstrate greater adaptability and innovation. However, the review also uncovers regional disparities, implementation gaps, and the need for culturally responsive leadership. This study contributes to the theoretical enrichment of digital-era HRM and provides practical insights for policymakers and organizational leaders aiming to future-proof their workforce through aligned and agile human capital strategies.

References

Schwab, K., & Zahidi, S. (2020). The Future of Jobs Report 2020. World Economic Forum.

Bharadwaj, A., El Sawy, O. A., Pavlou, P. A., & Venkatraman, N. (2022). Digital business strategy: Toward a next generation of insights. MIS Quarterly, 46(1), 471–482. https://doi.org/10.25300/MISQ/2022/13724

World Economic Forum. (2023). Global Competitiveness Report 2023. World Economic Forum.

Gallardo-Gallardo, E., Thunnissen, M., & Scullion, H. (2020). Talent management: Context matters. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 31(4), 457–473. https://doi.org/10.1080/09585192.2019.1642645

Dery, K., Hall, R., & Wailes, N. (2017). Digital disruption and the future of work: HRM’s role in creating organizational agility. Asia Pacific Journal of Human Resources, 55(3), 291–303. https://doi.org/10.1111/1744-7941.12176

Nguyen, Q. T., Tran, T. H., & Nguyen, L. T. (2021). The role of HRM practices in employee retention: A perspective from emerging markets. Employee Relations, 43(1), 34–53. https://doi.org/10.1108/ER-03-2020-0136

Cooke, F. L., Dickmann, M., & Parry, E. (2019). HRM in an era of digital transformation. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 30(2), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.1080/09585192.2018.1503842

Farndale, E., Morley, M. J., & Valverde, M. (2022). Talent management in context: The role of institutional and cultural configurations. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 33(4), 706–736. https://doi.org/10.1080/09585192.2020.1779771

Tarique, I., & Schuler, R. S. (2018). A talent management framework for a global context. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 29(4), 549–574. https://doi.org/10.1080/09585192.2016.1239216

Deloitte. (2023). 2023 Global Human Capital Trends. Deloitte Insights.

Huang, J., Jin, L., & Yang, S. (2022). Digital transformation and employee capability development: A dual-path perspective. Journal of Business Research, 145, 293–303. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2022.02.027

Garavan, T. N., Watson, S., Carbery, R., & O'Brien, F. (2021). The antecedents of leadership development practices in multinational organizations: A systematic review. Human Resource Management Review, 31(1), 100728. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hrmr.2019.100728

Sung, S. Y., Choi, J. N., & Kang, S. C. (2019). Promoting knowledge sharing with incentive systems and learning goal orientation. Human Resource Management, 58(5), 489–503. https://doi.org/10.1002/hrm.21982

Beer, M., & Mulder, R. (2020). Developing strategic human capital: Managing learning and knowledge transfer. International Journal of Training and Development, 24(4), 287–306. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijtd.12200

Kyndt, E., Gijbels, D., Grosemans, I., & Donche, V. (2020). Teachers’ everyday professional development: Mapping informal learning activities, antecedents, and learning outcomes. Review of Educational Research, 90(3), 387–430. https://doi.org/10.3102/0034654320933540

Tannenbaum, S. I., Beard, R. L., & McNall, L. A. (2021). Learning and development in the digital era: An integrative review. Human Resource Management Review, 31(3), 100766. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hrmr.2020.100766

Collings, D. G., Mellahi, K., & Cascio, W. F. (2019). Global talent management and performance in multinational enterprises: A multilevel perspective. Journal of Management, 45(2), 540–566. https://doi.org/10.1177/0149206318757018

Wiblen, S., Dery, K., & Grant, D. (2020). Understanding talent analytics: Theoretical challenges and practical implications. Journal of Organizational Effectiveness: People and Performance, 7(2), 161–181. https://doi.org/10.1108/JOEPP-06-2019-0046

Lengnick-Hall, C. A., Beck, T. E., & Kulkarni, M. (2022). Developing a capacity for organizational resilience through strategic human resource management. Human Resource Management Review, 32(2), 100850. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hrmr.2021.100850

Budhwar, P., Tung, R. L., Varma, A., & Do, H. (2021). Developments in human resource management in Asia: Context, challenges and future avenues of research. Human Resource Management Review, 31(1), 100766. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hrmr.2020.100766

Briscoe, D., Tarique, I., & Schuler, R. (2020). International Human Resource Management (5th ed.). Routledge.

Ghosh, R., Kim, M., & Kim, S. (2022). Digital HRM and employee voice in emerging markets: A review and research agenda. Asia Pacific Journal of Human Resources, 60(2), 216–236. https://doi.org/10.1111/1744-7941.12278

Alon-Barkat, S., & Busuioc, M. (2022). Human–AI interactions in public sector decision making: “Automation bias” and “selective adherence” to algorithmic advice. Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory, 32(1), 44–61. https://doi.org/10.1093/jopart/muab017

Tranfield, D., Denyer, D., & Smart, P. (2003). Towards a methodology for developing evidence‐informed management knowledge by means of systematic review. British Journal of Management, 14(3), 207–222. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8551.00375

Snyder, H. (2019). Literature review as a research methodology: An overview and guidelines. Journal of Business Research, 104, 333–339. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2019.07.039

Page, M. J., McKenzie, J. E., Bossuyt, P. M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T. C., Mulrow, C. D., ... & Moher, D. (2021). The PRISMA 2020 statement: An updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ, 372, n71. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n71

Baur, D. G., Hong, K., & Lee, A. D. (2018). Bitcoin: Medium of exchange or speculative assets?. Journal of International Financial Markets, Institutions and Money, 54, 177-189. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intfin.2017.12.004.

Govaerts, N., Kyndt, E., Dochy, F., & Baert, H. (2021). Influence of learning and working climate on retention of talented employees. Journal of Workplace Learning, 33(4), 245–263. https://doi.org/10.1108/JWL-10-2020-0192

Malik, A., Froese, F. J., & Sharma, A. (2022). Talent retention in emerging economies: Revisiting the role of leadership and organizational culture. Human Resource Management International Digest, 30(2), 17–22. https://doi.org/10.1108/HRMID-06-2021-0123

Marin-Garcia, J. A., Bonavia, T., & Losilla, J. M. (2021). Systematic review of upskilling and reskilling in the context of digital transformation. Journal of Industrial Engineering and Management, 14(1), 1–22. https://doi.org/10.3926/jiem.3215

Jarrahi, M. H., Eshraghi, A., & Newell, S. (2020). Artificial intelligence and the future of work: Human–AI symbiosis in organizational decision-making. Business Horizons, 63(4), 495–505. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bushor.2020.03.005

Zhang, M., Zhao, K., & Lu, Y. (2022). Exploring AI-driven microlearning for workforce upskilling: A digital transformation perspective. Computers & Education, 182, 104452. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2022.104452

Bondarouk, T., & Brewster, C. (2021). Conceptualizing the future of HRM and technology research. Human Resource Management Review, 31(1), 100733. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hrmr.2019.100733

Huang, M.-H., & Rust, R. T. (2021). Artificial intelligence in service. Journal of Service Research, 24(1), 3–20. https://doi.org/10.1177/1094670520902266

Karim, M., Haque, M. E., & Anwar, M. (2020). Digital HRM and employee trust in AI: A psychological contract perspective. Human Systems Management, 39(3), 273–284. https://doi.org/10.3233/HSM-190608

Knight, C., Patterson, M., & Dawson, J. (2022). Building and sustaining a culture of employee engagement in the digital age. Journal of Organizational Effectiveness, 9(2), 221–238. https://doi.org/10.1108/JOEPP-10-2021-0211

Schuler, R. S., Jackson, S. E., & Tarique, I. (2020). Global talent management and global talent challenges: Strategic opportunities for IHRM. Journal of World Business, 55(2), 100–105. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jwb.2019.100887

Chen, J., Wang, L., & Pan, W. (2021). Cross-cultural leadership and digital communication: Challenges and strategies. Journal of International Business Studies, 52(2), 189–207. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41267-020-00369-3

Tannenbaum, S. I., Beard, R. L., McNall, L. A., & Salas, E. (2021). Enhancing continuous learning: Leveraging digital tools and practices. Human Resource Development Quarterly, 32(2), 139–158. https://doi.org/10.1002/hrdq.21428