Abstract
M.Phil. (Personal and Professional Leadership)
Globalisation has dramatically impacted the way business is conducted. As
business becomes more global, there is a growing need for employees,
especially managers, with the right skillset to be successful in this
international environment. Given the scarcity of internationally skilled
employees, companies will have to look at new sources of potential talent.
“Adult third culture kids” (ATCKs) are such a source of talent, as they have
already acquired some of the skills necessary to be successful internationally,
because of the way they had grown up. It appears, however, that ATCKs are
an untapped talent source.
The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of managers within
multi-national corporations (MNCs) regarding the potential of ATCKs as a
source of talent. The study aimed to establish if awareness existed within
MNCs of the ATCK phenomenon, and to explore some of the reasons for the
apparent under-utilisation of this source of talent.
A qualitative approach with a case study design was chosen to answer the
research question, as this was deemed the best method to obtain an in-depth
understanding of the perceptions within MNCs of the potential of ATCKs. Five
research participants from five different MNCs were identified, based on their
expertise in human resource management (HRM). Data were collected by
means of individual, semi-structured interviews and supporting field notes.
Thematic analysis was employed to analyse this data. Three dominant
themes pertaining to the research question were identified.
The findings of the research revealed that there is limited awareness of
ATCKs within the MNCs selected for this study. Research participants
acknowledged the characteristic skillset of ATCKs to be a valuable asset to
their organisations. Possible reasons for the under-utilisation of this source of
talent are the limited awareness of the ATCK phenomenon and the lack of
knowledge of the actual contribution of ATCKs in the workplace.