Attracting and retaining high-performing professionals: the case of Descomplica

Learning outcomes The case study will encourage reflection on the challenges that organisations face in attracting, engaging and retaining knowledge workers that are critical to their performance and growth. It is set in the context of innovative, high-tech organisations whose success is heavily dependent on the performance of information technology (IT) professionals, a specialised and heavily demanded workforce. Case overview/synopsis The case study depicts the struggle of Manoel Almeida, Descomplica’s chief technology officer, to reverse the scenario of demotivation and high turnover among IT employees and to attract new talent. The case study addresses the themes of knowledge worker attraction, engagement and retention, with a focus on IT professionals. Complexity academic level This case study is designed for undergraduate and graduate education programmes/courses. Supplementary material Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 7: Management science.