Tuesday, August 15, 2023

4. Talent management in shipping

 

According Meyers et al. (2020) claim that, empirically investigating the existence and handling of talent management related approaches and debates from different country and industry contexts is a necessary step in understanding the concept as a practical phenomenon more thoroughly. Pantouvakis and Karakasnaki (2018), have taken notice this inducement and they have investigated talent related approaches in the shipping industry for the first time.

 

In this pioneer study they have investigated innate vs acquired and inclusive vs. exclusive approaches within the shipping sector. However, there are other streams in the talent management literature that are considered among the main comparative trends of talent oriented approaches (object vs. subject, input vs. output, transferable vs. context-dependent). Furthermore, a major debate centring the relationship between human resources management and talent management is still questioning by the researchers. Accordingly, following the referral of Meyers et al. (2020), it is thought that researching these issues in the container shipping industry from an emerging market perspective could bring a newer view and create interesting insights.

 

Despite the shift towards the capital-intensive paradigm, the human capital is still recognized as one of the most valuable and unique assets in the shipping industry. When it comes to the container shipping industry, the key role of valuable and rare human capital is undeniable (Parola and Satta, 2012; Haralambides, 2019; Notteboom et al., 2019).

 

The dynamic and competitive nature of the container shipping leads companies to recognize the importance of having qualified, valuable, competent and unique human capital to enable them sustaining excellence in the provision of customer-focused services and accomplishing business objectives within the industry (Ng et al., 2009, p.257; Pantouvakis and Karakasnaki, 2019, p.277).

 

Progoulaki and Theotokas (2010) consider the differentiated and distinctive management of human capital as the primary requirement for sustainable competitive advantage, taking into account the firm’s resource-based view. Chambers et al. (1998: 44) defines talent as the unique and valuable human capital of a firm and also talent management is defined as a concept directly related to the specific and exclusive management of talent (Iles et al., 2010, p.135;

 

Bethke-Langenegger et al., 2011, p.527). In this context, talent management (TM) can be considered as an important factor contributing to the achievement of corporate goals in the shipping industry and effectively influencing the successful implementation of business strategies through the way of sustained competitive advantage (Pantouvakis and Karakasnaki, 2018, p.649).

 

According to the Pantouvakis and Karakasnaki (2018), defining talent and TM and further investigating related approaches and contradictions within shipping industry is vital because it is a sector that requires high human competencies and skills.

 

Even a simple web search will show that talent management has been identified as one of the strategic priorities in industry-leading shipping companies and their talent management related knowledge and expertise is recognized and remunerated in the global scale. One of the research aims of our study is to examine the details of this priority by analysing and synthesising the regarding opinions of human resources officials acting in the sector leading companies, in order to establish a working-definition of talent and talent management concepts which will create an insight for and will guide companies that will enter the sector or try to strengthen their existing positions.

For example, Maersk Line which is also a participant within the sample of our research was named by The Association of Talent Development (ATD), as “world’s best organization for talent development” and won the 2015 and 2016 BEST Awards consecutively thanks to the success of their talent management system which is very high on the Maersk agenda.

In addition, another participant within the sample of our study, DHL, which is also a company functioning within the container shipping industry that highly notices talent management, has been certified as “Top Employer Europe” and “Top Employer Turkey” in 2020 by The Top Employers Institute which is a certification programme that enables organisations to assess and improve the workplace environment. These developments reveal that the actors in the container shipping industry directing the field of practice in the context of talent management and have the potential to substantially contribute to the development of the concept.

27 comments:

  1. Hi Prakash
    Nice article, Overall I have gained following understanding from your blog;
    Companies like Maersk Line and DHL have recognized talent management as a priority, winning awards and certifications. These developments highlight the potential for talent management actors in the container shipping industry to significantly contribute to the development of talent management concepts.

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    1. Thank you for your positive feedback on the article. I'm glad to hear that you've gained valuable insights from it. The examples of companies like Maersk Line and DHL that line up talent management and have received acknowledgment and certifications truly underscore the importance of this practice.
      These instances demonstrate that talent management is not only a theoretical concept but a real-world strategy that organizations are actively implementing to achieve success. By highlighting these companies' achievements, the article emphasizes how their commitment to talent management has not only contributed to their own growth but has the potential to shape and advance the broader landscape of talent management concepts within the container shipping industry.

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  2. The study highlighted in the provided passage underscores the critical importance of understanding talent management within the container shipping industry. As the industry evolves and faces new challenges, the role of human capital remains invaluable. The pioneering work by Pantouvakis and Karakasnaki (2018) shed light on the various approaches to talent management, such as innate vs. acquired and inclusive vs. exclusive, within the shipping sector. However, it's noted that there are broader dimensions and debates in talent management literature that need exploration, including object vs. subject, input vs. output, and transferable vs. context-dependent approaches.

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    1. I agree with you Divvigaa. The study highlighted in the passage does underscore the critical significance of understanding talent management within the container shipping industry. As the industry evolves and faces new challenges, the role of human capital remains invaluable.
      The work by Pantouvakis and Karakasnaki (2018) is a valuable contribution to the literature on talent management in the shipping sector. They identified two key magnitudes of talent management: innate versus acquired and inclusive versus exclusive. Innate talent refers to the natural abilities and skills that people are born with, while acquired talent refers to the skills and knowledge that people develop over time. Inclusive talent management is an approach that values diversity and welcomes people from all backgrounds, while exclusive talent management is an approach that focuses on recruiting and retaining people who fit a specific profile

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  3. An insightful explanation of how talent management tools work in the shipping industry. You have proved it by giving a real-life example of how talent management helped Maersk Line gain success and become the world’s best organisation for talent development" in 2015 and 2016. Obviously, as you stated, talent management significantly enhances the shipping industry by nurturing skilled employees and promoting safety, leading to smoother operations and minimising accidents. Furthermore, data-driven decisions, improved collaboration, and effective communication contribute to streamlined processes and overall industry advancement.

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    1. I'm delighted to hear that you found the explanation of talent management tools in the shipping industry insightful. The real-life example of Maersk Line's success indeed places of interest how the implementation of talent management practices can yield tangible results and recognition on a global scale.
      The acknowledgment of Maersk Line's achievement as the world's best organization for talent development in successive years underscores the transformative power of strategic talent management. This achievement not only reflects Maersk Line's commitment to nurturing their workforce but also serves as a testament to the broader potential of talent management in fostering industry excellence.

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  4. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  5. Interesting to learning on importance of empirically investigating talent management approaches and debates in various contexts. Conducted a pioneer study on talent management in the shipping industry, focusing on innate vs. acquired and inclusive vs. exclusive approaches. The relationship between human resources management and talent management is still debated. Researching these issues from an emerging market perspective could provide new insights. Human capital remains a valuable asset in the shipping industry. Very informative Prakash..

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    1. Thank you Nalaka and I agree, it is interesting to learn about the prominence of empirically examining talent management approaches and debates in various contexts. This is because the best talent management practices may differ depending on the context. For example, what works well in one country may not work well in another.
      The study that you stated is a forerunner study on talent management in the shipping industry. It is important to understand the different ways that talent can be managed in this industry. The inborn versus acquired and inclusive versus exclusive approaches are two important magnitudes to consider.
      The relationship between human resources management and talent management is still argued. Some people believe that talent management is a separation of human resources, while others believe that it is a separate discipline. There is no right or wrong answer to this question, as it depends on the specific context.

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  6. An educational and insightful study that highlights the critical notion of talent management in the shipping industry. The article correctly underlines the widespread acknowledgment of talent management as a critical strategic emphasis for top-tier shipping businesses, which can be easily confirmed by a short web search. This respect extends to the worldwide stage, where talent management expertise and proficiency are appropriately recognized and rewarded.

    As the article correctly points out, I completely agree with this viewpoint. Indeed, the sophisticated process of talent management is critical to the shipping industry's growth. It not only fortifies the sector with trained workers, but it also promotes a culture of safety consciousness by fostering and cultivating adept employees. This results in smoother operational operations and a significant reduction in accidents. Prakash, you've written an excellent post that resonates with these critical truths. Excellent work Prakash!

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    1. Thank you very much Shalomi for your thoughtful and supportive response to the article discussing talent management in the shipping industry. I'm truly delighted to hear that you found the study educational and insightful.
      Your observation about the extensive recognition of talent management's importance in the shipping industry is spot-on. The response of talent management as a strategic imperative by leading shipping businesses is indeed evident through various channels, including web searches. The global stage further strengthens this recognition, where talent management expertise is appropriately valued and rewarded.
      I'm glad to know that you share the viewpoint highlighted in the article. The multi-layered nature of talent management, as you pointed out, plays a pivotal role in the growth and fortification of the shipping industry. The emphasis on training and humanizing skilled workers not only contributes to operational efficiency but also establishes a culture of safety awareness. This culture, in turn, leads to smoother operations and a marked reduction in accidents, which are critical aspects in an industry like shipping.

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  7. This thorough examination of talent management within the container shipping industry presents a highly insightful and well-researched perspective. The author's grasp of the complexity and significance of talent management approaches, along with their understanding of the industry's dynamics, is commendable. The incorporation of references from reputable scholars and industry examples adds credibility to the discussion. This work offers valuable insights into the strategic importance of talent management in the shipping sector and highlights the impact it can have on a company's success. Exceptional work in shedding light on a critical aspect of the industry!

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    1. Thank you very much for your thoughtful and appreciative response to the examination of talent management in the container shipping industry. I'm truly delighted to hear that the perspective provided in the article resonated with you.
      Your acknowledgment of the depth of understanding about the complexity and importance of talent management approaches, as well as the dynamics of the container shipping industry, is genuinely promising. Incorporating references from reputable scholars and industry examples was aimed at lending credibility to the discussion, and I'm glad that it contributed to the overall perspective.
      I'm satisfied to know that the article offered valuable insights into the strategic significance of talent management within the shipping sector. Your acknowledgment of its potential impact on a company's success underscores the critical role that talent management plays in shaping industry outcomes.
      Your kind words regarding shedding light on this critical aspect of the industry mean a lot. If you have any further thoughts, questions, or if there are related topics you'd like to discuss, please feel free to do so.

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  8. Absolutely loved reading your insightful blog about Talent Management in the shipping industry! It's clear that you've delved deep into the nuances of this critical aspect, shedding light on the unique challenges and innovative solutions. Your comprehensive understanding of both the maritime sector and talent strategies is truly commendable.

    The way you've presented the complexities of talent management in such a concise yet engaging manner is truly impressive. Your expertise and passion for the topic shine through every paragraph, making this a must-read for anyone involved in the shipping industry or interested in talent development.

    Thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise with us through this blog. Your writing not only educates but also inspires further discussions and advancements in the field. Looking forward to more insightful pieces from you in the future!

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    1. Thank you so much for your extremely kind and enthusiastic feedback on my blog about Talent Management in the shipping industry. I'm sincerely thrilled to hear that you found the insights valuable and the demonstration engaging.
      Your words are truly inspiring, and I'm glad that the blog effectively conveyed the details of talent management in the maritime sector. The shipping industry presents unique challenges, and it's my aim to shed light on these aspects and provide innovative perspectives that can drive positive change.
      I'm honored by your appreciation of my understanding of both the industry and talent strategies. The maritime sector is dynamic and multidimensional, and it's vital to approach talent management with a deep awareness of its specific needs and potential solutions.

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  9. Interesting reading Prakash. Meyers et al. (2020) emphasize studying talent management across countries and industries. Pantouvakis and Karakasnaki (2018) pioneer talent approaches in shipping. They explore innate vs. acquired and inclusive vs. exclusive approaches. Other streams like object vs. subject, input vs. output, transferable vs. context-dependent also matter.
    The relationship between human resources and talent management sparks debate. Research in emerging markets, like container shipping, offers fresh perspectives and insights.

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    1. I agree, it was an interesting reading. I like how Meyers et al. (2020) highlighted the importance of studying talent management across countries and industries. This is because the best talent management practices may differ depending on the context. For example, what works well in one country may not work well in another.
      I also agree that Pantouvakis and Karakasnaki (2018) did revolutionary work in talent management in the shipping sector. Their work on innate versus acquired and inclusive versus exclusive approaches is valuable for understanding the different ways that talent can be managed in this industry.
      The other streams that you mentioned are also significant to consider. For example, the object versus subject dimension refers to whether talent management is seen as something that is done to people (object) or something that is done with people (subject). This is an important distinction because it reflects the different ways that people can be involved in the talent management process.

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  10. Excellent research that highlights the pivotal role of talent management in the shipping industry. Well-structured and insightful exploration of key trends, debates, and industry leaders' practices.

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    1. I sincerely appreciate your optimistic feedback on the research. It's truly satisfying to know that the examination of talent management's role in the shipping industry resonated with you.
      The aim was to create a well-structured and perceptive analysis that captures the essence of key trends, debates, and the practices of industry leaders. I'm pleased to hear that the content successfully conveyed this information and provided valuable insights into the subject matter.
      If you have any further thoughts, questions, or areas you'd like to delve into, please feel free to let me know. Your input is valuable and helps guide the direction of future research. Thank you once again for taking the time to share your thoughts on the work

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  11. "This article on talent management in the shipping industry is truly outstanding. It's evident that you've delved into a niche that often doesn't receive the attention it deserves. The way you've dissected the unique challenges and opportunities within the shipping sector when it comes to talent is both informative and eye-opening. Your insights into attracting and retaining skilled professionals in an industry that requires specialized expertise are incredibly valuable. I was particularly impressed by your exploration of training and development strategies tailored to the demands of the maritime world. Your blog post not only serves as an educational resource but also ignites a conversation about how crucial talent management is for the growth and sustainability of shipping companies. Thank you for shedding light on this vital aspect of the industry. Your blog is a beacon for professionals seeking to excel in the world of maritime talent management."

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    1. "Wow, thank you so much for your thoughtful words! I'm so glad that you found my article on talent management in the shipping industry to be enlightening and eye-opening. I really appreciate you taking the time to read it and share your thoughts.
      I agree that the shipping industry is a niche that often doesn't receive the attention it deserves, and I'm glad that I was able to shed some light on the unique challenges and opportunities it faces when it comes to talent management.
      I'm also glad that you found my insights into appealing and retentive skilled professionals to be valuable. This is an area that I'm passionate about, and I'm always looking for new ways to help shipping companies attract and retain the best talent.

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  12. Absolutely agree! Pantouvakis and Karakasnaki's(2018) emphasis on defining talent and exploring talent management approaches in the shipping industry is spot on. Given the intricate demands of the sector and its reliance on high-level competencies, a clear understanding of talent and effective talent management strategies is crucial. This proactive approach not only ensures optimal workforce alignment but also positions the shipping industry to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape. Their research undoubtedly contributes to enhancing the industry's ability to harness human potential and navigate challenges effectively.

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    1. I thank you for your attentive and favorable response to my inquiry about people management in the container shipping sector. I'm overjoyed to learn that the viewpoint presented in the essay spoke to you.

      It is very encouraging to see how well you comprehend the complexities and importance of personnel management strategies as well as the dynamics of the container shipping sector. I'm happy that it added to the overall perspective. The inclusion of references from respectable researchers and industry examples was intended to offer credibility to the conversation.

      Delete
  13. An interesting article to read. I totally agree with your viewpoint. Indeed, the sophisticated process of talent management is critical to the shipping industry's growth. Good Job Prakash.

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    1. I appreciate your comments on the article. I'm happy to hear that you found it intriguing and that the position put forth resonates with you.

      It is appropriate to recognize personnel management as a key component of the shipping industry's expansion. The complexity of the sector does, in fact, call for a highly developed method of developing and utilizing talent.

      Thank you for your nice thoughts, and I'm glad the post spoke to you. Please feel free to chime in with any more ideas, queries, or suggestions regarding this or a similar subjects. Your particip

      Delete
  14. We appreciate you sharing this content. It gives a thorough explanation of the significance of people management in the shipping sector and is quite educational.

    The paper begins by outlining the necessity of scientifically examining disputes and approaches to talent management from various national and business contexts. This is a useful strategy because it enables us to comprehend how talent management is applied in various contexts and the elements that make it successful.

    The article next concentrates on the shipping business, a field that demands a high level of human capabilities and skills. The authors contend that great shipping companies make talent management a strategic priority and that these companies are compensated and acknowledged on a global level for their talent management knowledge and competence.

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    1. I appreciate your comments and your deliberative analysis of the material. I'm happy to know that you thought the post was thorough and instructive.

      Your understanding of how to conduct a scientific analysis of disagreements and talent management strategies from various contexts is well-observed. This approach does in fact offer a wider viewpoint that aids in comprehending the intricacies and key components of talent management in various national and business contexts.

      A important element is the emphasis on the shipping sector and the requirement for highly skilled human resources. I'm delighted the article emphasized how important talent management is from a strategic standpoint for prosperous shipping businesses. You have a perfect knowledge of how these businesses are renowned throughout the world for their talent management abilities.

      If you have any queries or additional information,

      Delete

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