An emergent toolkit for digital technology application in talent management practices: evidence from the Vietnamese banking sector

Purpose This paper aims to examine how technological advancements and innovation affect the practices of attracting, recruiting, developing and retaining talents in the Vietnamese banking sector. It proposes an emergent toolkit to guide bank managers in improving the effectiveness of implementing technological advancements and innovation in talent management activities. Design/methodology/approach This study used a qualitative approach, conducting in-depth interviews with 15 human resource professionals from four distinct Vietnamese commercial banks. Thematic analysis, a technique that enables the identification and interpretation of recurring themes within the interview data, was conducted. This research method allows the researcher to gain insights into the research problem from the participants’ perspectives. Findings The findings indicate that technological advancements and innovation have significantly enhanced talent management practices in the Vietnamese banking sector. Many banks have developed integrated human resource management systems based on a hybrid model of on-site and cloud computing technology. These systems allow managers to automate, manage, evaluate and make decisions on various human resource operations and activities accurately and efficiently. Additionally, technological advancements and innovation have enabled Vietnamese banks to reach a larger pool of potential candidates, reduce hiring time and foster e-learning programmes. However, technology cannot fully replace the human element in all aspects of talent management within the Vietnamese banking sector. Research limitations/implications The limitations of this research include a lack of quantitative methods to evaluate and substantiate the influence of technology-related factors on talent management effectiveness. Moreover, this study does not incorporate input from other key stakeholders such as employees and managers from other departments and hierarchical levels. Future studies should focus on addressing these limitations by using mixed methods and including a wider range of participants to produce more in-depth and comprehensive findings. Practical implications The authors have developed a new toolkit designed to assist with the application of technology in talent management practices within Vietnamese banks. This toolkit provides guidance on using technological advancements and innovation across various stages of talent management and offers practical tips for enhancing the effectiveness of these processes. The recommendations in the toolkit serve as valuable resources for managers, helping them implement talent management activities in the face of rapid technological advancements and innovation. Originality/value This study presents a practical model of suggestions for implementing technology in talent management within a specific industry, offering a novel approach compared to prior research. It also provides valuable insights for bank managers on enhancing the effectiveness of technological advancements and innovation in talent management by selecting appropriate technological tools. Furthermore, this study proposes a conceptual framework explaining the impact of digital transformation maturity on aspects of talent management effectiveness. This study contributes to the theoretical development of talent management practices, particularly in the context of a rapidly evolving business environment driven by technological advancements and innovation.