Vol. 4 No. 6 (2026): September
Open Access
Peer Reviewed

From Informal Practice to Strategic Talent Management: A Qualitative Case Study of AWA Group

Authors

Idayanti , Muhammad Raechan Syafruddin HS , Nissa Nadisa , Sitya Giona Nur Alam , Muhammad Fatwatul Haq

DOI:

10.47353/ecbis.v4i6.612

Published:

2026-09-26

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Abstract

Talent management in growing organizations often develops through informal managerial practices before becoming more strategically coordinated. This study examines how talent-management practices emerge and become strategically organized within AWA Group while balancing inclusion and differentiation, agility and governance, and current performance and future potential. An interpretive qualitative single-case study was conducted using purposive maximum-variation sampling involving 12 informants across five organizational stakeholder groups. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis with an abductive approach, supported by cross-level triangulation and negative-case analysis. The findings identify five interrelated themes: talent is recognized as trusted readiness rather than a fixed label; an inclusive development floor coexists with selective strategic acceleration; informality functions as both an organizational capability and a governance risk; fairness depends on explainability and mobility rather than equal treatment alone; and organizational growth creates pressure for a hybrid and selectively formalized talent architecture. Based on these findings, the study develops the AWA Emergent Talent Management Model, which connects business growth triggers, talent recognition, developmental exposure, readiness evidence, and strategic deployment and succession. The study highlights selective formalization as a mechanism for strengthening transparency, accountability, and succession readiness while preserving contextual managerial flexibility.

Keywords:

Talent Management Strategic Talent Management Selective Formalization Talent Development Succession Planning Organizational Growth

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Author Biographies

Idayanti, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia

Author Origin : Indonesia

Muhammad Raechan Syafruddin HS, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia

Author Origin : Indonesia

Nissa Nadisa, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia

Author Origin : Indonesia

Sitya Giona Nur Alam, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia

Author Origin : Indonesia

Muhammad Fatwatul Haq, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia

Author Origin : Indonesia

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How to Cite

Idayanti, Syafruddin HS, M. R., Nadisa, N., Alam, S. G. N., & Haq, M. F. (2026). From Informal Practice to Strategic Talent Management: A Qualitative Case Study of AWA Group. Economics and Business Journal (ECBIS), 4(6), 2925–2944. https://doi.org/10.47353/ecbis.v4i6.612

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