Talent status awareness: An alternative perspective

In order to contribute to the theoretical understanding of talent management and its components, this article offers an alternative perspective on talent status awareness and focuses on the negative side of informing the selected employees of their talent status. In line with expectancy, social exchange and equity theories, we propose that even though reactions of talent pool members towards talent recognition tend to be positive, negative reactions of those employees who are aware of their status but whose expectations are not met, as well as negative reactions of those employees who are not recognized as talents may outweigh positive reactions. By examining the critical side of talent status awareness, this article adds value to the existing work in talent management, promotes a dialogue, and encourages new directions in theoretical and empirical research. An increased understanding of ‘the dark side’ of talent status awareness may help organizational decision makers when formulating strategic talent management programs.