Analysing Nurse Talent Management: A 6-Year Study Before and During COVID-19 Using the McKinsey 9-Box Matrix

Abstract

Purpose – Talent management plays a pivotal role in shaping the quality and efficacy of health care organizations, with particular significance in nursing. Aims(s) – This research delves into the assessment of talent management for nurses, using the McKinsey 9-Box Matrix, both pre- and post COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach – Employing a retrospective design spanning six years, this study encompasses 1319 nurses evaluated using the McKinsey 9-Box Matrix. This method involves performance and potential evaluations, incorporating face-to-face interviews with the Directorate of Nursing Services executive team. Findings – Significant variations in nurse positions, department distributions, and educational backgrounds were observed before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Noteworthy shifts in McKinsey 9-Box Matrix assessments indicated pandemic-induced changes in nurse categorization. Approximately one-third of nurses were classified as B2: Core Working Group, which is crucial for workforce stability. Gender did not yield significant differences in the McKinsey 9-Box Matrix evaluations. Although variations were noted in categories A1, A2, and B1 before and during COVID-19, employment status did not significantly impact these assessments. Limitations of the study – Findings aweredrawn from a private health care group, potentially limiting generalizability to diverse settings, populations, or contexts. Practical implications – This study provides invaluable insights into the evolving land-scape of nursing during the pandemic. It illuminates shifts in education levels, posi-tions, departments, leadership potential, and specific evaluation categories among nurses. Originality/value – Contributing significantly to the existing literature, this study provides a nuanced analysis of talent management practices among nurses. The in-sights garnered offer a fresh perspective, informing health care organizations’ ‘talent management strategies, especially considering the evolving health care landscape shaped by the pandemic.