Talent Management in the Public Sector: A Comparative Study of Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand

Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy Research Paper No. 14-15

Public Management Review, DOI: 10.1080/14719037.2013.816525

31 Pages Posted: 3 Jul 2014

See all articles by Ora-orn Poocharoen

Ora-orn Poocharoen

National University of Singapore (NUS) - Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy

Celia Lee

National University of Singapore (NUS) - Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy

Date Written: July 27, 2013

Abstract

This article investigates public sector talent management schemes in Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. It offers a framework to make such comparisons, which allow for better understanding of the values and contextual factors related to talent management. The three countries are found to have comparable names of talent management schemes. They are such as scholarship schemes, training schemes for high-potential officers, and special pay scale for those identified as a talent. A close look at these schemes reveals that there are also many differences. We identify some key factors that can possibly explain the variations. They are such as: the differing definitions of talent; the structure and scope of authority of the responsible agencies; the level of flexibility of incentive systems; and the differing performance appraisal systems in each country. The three cases illustrate the need for policy-makers to be fully aware of the value they are hoping to enhance for the public service and the governance structures that they are operating in. At the end, the paper offers a spectrum of exclusive and inclusive approaches to talent management that governments can use as guidance.

Keywords: Talent management, leadership training, civil service, war for talent

Suggested Citation

Poocharoen, Ora-orn and Lee, Celia, Talent Management in the Public Sector: A Comparative Study of Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand (July 27, 2013). Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy Research Paper No. 14-15, Public Management Review, DOI: 10.1080/14719037.2013.816525, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2461621

Ora-orn Poocharoen (Contact Author)

National University of Singapore (NUS) - Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy ( email )

Singapore 117591
Singapore
(65) 6516 2541 (Phone)
(65) 6778 1020 (Fax)

Celia Lee

National University of Singapore (NUS) - Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy

Singapore 117591
Singapore

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