Competing for scarce talent in a liberalised environment: evidence from the aviation industry in Africa

Abstract

Although the last few years have witnessed a burgeoning stream of research on interfirm mobility of employees, the extant research has remained relatively silent on both its dynamics and effects on the performance of firms domiciled in emerging economies. Using a qualitative case study approach, this article attempts to illuminate our understanding of both issues. It places particular emphasis on the examination of the dynamics of employees' interfirm mobility in the airline industry in Africa. The findings reveal the diverse ways in which the liberalisation in the industry has created a new competitive landscape with far-reaching consequences for firms. Essentially, firms now have to compete intensely for the scarce human capital. The theoretical and managerial implications of these findings are discussed.

Keywords:

• airlines in Africa
• employee mobility
• human capital
• human resources
• liberalisation