Digital Transformation in Talent Management: A Systematic Literature Review on Msme Retention Strategies
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70062/globalmanagement.v2i4.475Keywords:
Digital Transformation, Employee Retention, MSMEs, Systematic Literature Review, Talent ManagementAbstract
This study conducts a systematic literature review (SLR) and bibliometric analysis to map and synthesize research on digital transformation in talent management and its impact on employee retention in Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Against the backdrop of high turnover rates and intense competition for talent, this research aims to identify the key interconnections between digital technologies, talent management practices, and retention outcomes within the MSME context. The methodology involved a comprehensive analysis of reputable databases using VOSviewer software for bibliometric mapping, focusing on co-authorship, co-occurrence, and citation networks. The findings reveal a robust, interconnected model centered on three core pillars: the adoption of digital technologies (e.g., AI, cloud-based HR systems), the implementation of strategic talent practices (notably digital employer branding and work flexibility), and the critical mediating role of employee psychological factors (job satisfaction and organizational commitment). The analysis demonstrates that successful retention in MSMEs is not merely a function of technological adoption but is achieved through a synergistic integration where technology enables effective talent management, which in turn fosters commitment and reduces turnover intention. This review contributes a comprehensive conceptual model that clarifies these dynamic relationships. The practical implication for MSME managers is the necessity of a holistic strategy that simultaneously develops digital infrastructure, refines talent management, and cultivates a supportive organizational culture to secure a sustainable competitive advantage through enhanced employee retention.
References
Al Shbail, M. O., Alshurafat, H., Ensour, W., Al Amosh, H., & Al-Hazaima, H. (2025). Exploring the impact of internal CSR on auditor turnover intentions: The mediating and moderating roles of job satisfaction, organisational commitment, and job complexity. Acta Psychologica, 256, 105012. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actpsy.2025.105012
Al-Shboul, M. D. A. (2024). SMEs' maneuvering: Efficacy of smart talent management, adoption innovation climate and motivational culture as enablers for improved SMEs' performance-an empirical study in the Middle East region. International Journal of Innovation Science. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJIS-06-2023-0135
Ananda, Y., Rizal, E., & Rohman, A. S. (2025). Analisis bibliometrik artikel jurnal bidang information quality pada database Scopus menggunakan Vosviewer. Jurnal Pustaka Budaya, 12(1), 89-109. https://doi.org/10.31849/pb.v12i1.24377
Arasanmi, C. N., & Krishna, A. (2019). Employer branding: Perceived organisational support and employee retention—the mediating role of organisational commitment. Industrial and Commercial Training, 51(3), 174-183. https://doi.org/10.1108/ICT-10-2018-0086
Bloom, N., Han, R., & Liang, J. (2023). How hybrid working from home works out. National Bureau of Economic Research. https://doi.org/10.1257/app.20210045
Confetto, M. G., Ključnikov, A., Covucci, C., & Normando, M. (2023). Diversity and inclusion in employer branding: An explorative analysis of European companies' digital communication. Employee Relations: The International Journal, 45(7), 121-139. https://doi.org/10.1108/ER-11-2022-0522
Cascio, W. F., & Boudreau, J. W. (2023). Investing in people: Financial impact of human resource initiatives. Society for Human Resource Management. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jwb.2015.10.002
Fischer, L. (n.d.). Employer branding in the digital age: The importance of social media and online reputation management. Retrieved from https://www.bwl.unimannheim.de/media/Lehrstuehle/bwl/Stahl/mastersthesis/MasterSeminarThesis_LFischer_0325.pdf
Gajendran, R. S., Harrison, D. A., & Delaney-Klinger, K. (2023). "Are telecommuters remotely good citizens? Unpacking the relationship between telecommuting and organizational citizenship behavior." Personnel Psychology, 75(2), 369-399. https://doi.org/10.1037/0021-9010.92.6.1524
Herawati, N., Warpindyastuti, L. D., Hidayat, A., Addin, S., Azizah, A., & Ulum, K. (2025). Employer branding through digital human resources management. Innovative: Journal of Social Science Research, 5(3), 73-81. https://doi.org/10.31004/innovative.v5i3.18905
Lakra, P. (2023). Digital employer branding: A strategic approach to attract and retain millennials and Gen Z. International Journal of Human Resource Management, 34(5), 1023-1050. https://doi.org/10.1080/09585192.2022.2155532
Mapuranga, M., Maziriri, E. T., Rukuni, T. F., & Lose, T. (2021). Employee organisational commitment and the mediating role of work locus of control and employee job satisfaction: The perspective of SME workers. Journal of Risk and Financial Management, 14(7), 306. https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm14070306
Marler, J. H., & Boudreau, J. W. (2017). An evidence-based review of HR analytics. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 28(1), 3-26. https://doi.org/10.1080/09585192.2016.1244699
Meyer, J. P., & Allen, N. J. (1991). A three-component conceptualization of organizational commitment. Human Resource Management Review, 1(1), 61-89. https://doi.org/10.1016/1053-4822(91)90011-Z
Mohaimen, M. A., Mahmud, I., Hassan, M. S., Amin, M. B., & Roy, S. K. (2025). Unveiling HRM dynamics through PLS model: The moderating roles of self-efficacy and organizational commitment in work engagement and talent turnover intention. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 11, 101327. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2025.101327
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. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n71
Pergelova, A., & Yordanova, D. (2025). The human element in digital transformation: The role of talent management for SMEs. Journal of the International Council for Small Business, 6(2), 269-283. https://doi.org/10.1080/26437015.2024.2404177
Pocztowski, A., & Pauli, U. (2022). The impact of contextual factors on talent management practices in SMEs. Human Systems Management, 41(1), 87-101. https://doi.org/10.3233/HSM-211174
Salahudin, S. N., Ismail, F., Al Qershi, N., Mohd Kassim, M. A., & Nasuredin, J. (2025). Exploring the impact of employee well-being as a moderator in the relationship between work-related factors and turnover intentions in Malaysian small and medium enterprises: A partial least squares analysis. SSRN. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2025.101960
Santos, A. D. M., & Sant'Anna, Â. M. O. (2024). Industry 4.0 technologies for sustainability within small and medium enterprises: A systematic literature review and future directions. Journal of Cleaner Production, 467, 143023. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2024.143023
Sheehan, M., Garavan, T. N., & Morley, M. J. (2023). A review of the evolution of talent management in SMEs: Towards a more integrative framework. Human Resource Management Review, 33(1), 100925. https://doi.org/10.1080/00472778.2023.2165123
Thunnissen, M., & Gallardo-Gallardo, E. (2019). Talent management in practice: An integrated and dynamic approach. Emerald Publishing Limited. https://doi.org/10.1108/9781787145992
Van Eck, N., & Waltman, L. (2010). Software survey: VOSviewer, a computer program for bibliometric mapping. Scientometrics, 84(2), 523-538. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11192-009-0146-3
Zahoor, N., Christofi, M., Nwoba, A. C., Donbesuur, F., & Miri, D. (2024). Operational effectiveness in post-pandemic times: Examining the roles of digital technologies, talent management, and employee engagement in manufacturing SMEs. Production Planning & Control, 35(13), 1625-1638. https://doi.org/10.1080/09537287.2022.2147863
Zickafoose, A., Ilesanmi, O., Diaz-Manrique, M., Adeyemi, A. E., Walumbe, B., Strong, R., Wingenbach, G., Rodriguez, M. T., & Dooley, K. (2024). Barriers and challenges affecting quality education (Sustainable Development Goal #4) in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030. Sustainability (Switzerland), 16(7). https://doi.org/10.3390/su16072657
