Talent management practices for firms’ absorptive capacity in a host country: a study of the Chinese diaspora in Russia

Purpose The paper aims to explore the role of talent management (TM) practices in shaping firm’s absorptive capacity (AC) in the host country. Based on the data from representatives of Chinese diaspora used in Russia, this study discusses the role of TM practices in developing firm’s AC through learning from diaspora. Design/methodology/approach To explore possible connections between both TM practices and AC and TM practices and attractiveness of a company for diaspora representatives (talent mobility), this study reports an exploratory study by using a set-theoretical analytic method, fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis. Findings The findings state that retention and development practices significantly influence firm’s AC, which promotes attractiveness of Russia as of destination country for Chinese employees and of particular company with the corresponding TM system. Originality/value This study reveals the existing connection between diaspora talent attraction and knowledge assimilation and diaspora talent retention and knowledge transformation. Knowledge acquisition is influenced by talent retention and talent development with a mediation of knowledge sharing.