Evolution of Talent Management

Although it is still considered a fairly recent concept, the definitions of talent and talent management have evolved over the years. In the past, when most organizations initially introduced talent management initiatives, they focused solely on upper-level leadership and executives. Today, some organizations have begun creating talent management initiatives that include all employees. Many definitions for both exist in the literature and in individual organizations. In this Discussion, you will examine current and past research on these topics, critique their definitions, and then answer the following questions. Be sure to support your answers with appropriate references.

You will post a cohesive and scholarly response based on your readings and research this week that addresses the following:

• How have the definitions of talent and talent management evolved to current-day thinking? Compose what you believe are the best definitions for each.
• Discuss whether you think it makes a difference how organizations define talent and talent management, or whether it is just semantics.

Justify your responses with references to the literature.