Edinburgh Napier University

  Purpose
This paper aims to introduce the theme issue and the rationale for the theme issue question: Is talent management a strategic priority in the hospitality sector?

Design/methodology/approach
This paper re-visits the conclusions of an earlier theme issue on aspects of talent management and reflects on their contemporary relevance with reference to the emerging concept of strategic talent management (STM).

Findings
This paper identifies the cornerstones of STM: concern for employee well-being; developing positive relationships and positive work attitudes; being authentic and building trust and sincerity; and providing organisational support.

Originality/value
This paper outlines the focus of theme issue and the approach taken that incorporates conceptual papers together with academic and practitioner viewpoints, perspectives, consultation and roundtable discussion. This paper observes that the issue reflects the views of multi-level line managers across a number of functions, including senior leaders, middle managers, supervisors, managers and marketing managers of human resources and that the papers all have a strong action orientation as a platform for learning, conversation and debate.