Paradoxes of talent retention: Revisiting forgotten lessons in Spain&apos

[EN] This paper adopts a paradox lens to explore the tensions and contradictions related to talent retention faced by hospitality organisations during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasising the responses of Hospitality Human Resources Managers (HHRM). Based on thematic analysis of semi-structured interv...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Susaeta, Lourdes, Babinger, Frank, Suárez-Ruz, Esperanza|||0000-0002-4539-9364
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2025
País:España
Institución:Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV)
Repositorio:RiuNet. Repositorio Institucional de la Universitat Politécnica de Valéncia
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:riunet.upv.es:10251/231133
Acceso en línea:https://riunet.upv.es/handle/10251/231133
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Talent management
Talent retention
COVID-19
Human resources managers
Paradox theory
Hospitality industry
08.- Fomentar el crecimiento económico sostenido, inclusivo y sostenible, el empleo pleno y productivo, y el trabajo decente para todos
Descripción
Sumario:[EN] This paper adopts a paradox lens to explore the tensions and contradictions related to talent retention faced by hospitality organisations during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasising the responses of Hospitality Human Resources Managers (HHRM). Based on thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with 20 HHRM from leading Spanish hotel chains (October 2020-October 2021), the study identifies six paradoxes: Engagement-Crisis (Belonging), Inclusion-Exclusion (Organising/Performing), Innovation-Stability (Learning), Control-Flexibility (Organising), Global-Local (Organising/Performing), and People-Profit (Performing). These paradoxes highlight the challenges of balancing employee commitment, inclusivity, innovation, flexibility, global strategies, and financial priorities. The findings reveal proactive and defensive HR responses, including transparent communication, emotional leadership, health and safety measures, and workforce reorganisations. The study contributes to the academic literature by applying paradox theory to talent retention, offering a novel perspective particularly suited for crisis contexts. Practical insights include HR strategies for addressing paradoxes, improving talent retention, and fostering resilience in post-crisis hospitality organisations.