Purpose Despite growing recognition of human resource management (HRM)'s strategic importance in technology-driven sectors, limited research examines how talent retention, diversity and inclusion (D D and technological integration deploying HRIS platforms, artificial intelligence (AI) tools (IBM Watson, HireVue) and predictive analytics whilst prioritising ethical governance. Organisations synergistically integrating all three practices achieved superior outcomes. A proposed framework illustrates synergistic effects enhancing employee engagement and performance. Practical implications Practically, organisations should adopt synergistic HRM approaches integrating career development pathways, recognition-based compensation, flexible work arrangements, blind recruitment practices, cultural diversity celebrations and HRIS/AI platforms (IBM Watson, SAP SuccessFactors) supported by comprehensive ethical governance and staff training programmes. Originality/value Addressing critical gaps in emerging market HRM research, this study extends RBV by demonstrating how strategically integrated practices transform talent retention, diversity and AI technologies into VRIN-based assets despite pervasive brain drain and institutional deficits. The framework breaks new ground by positioning ethical AI governance as a trust-building imperative. HR practitioners gain evidence-based blueprints for turning resource constraints and cultural complexities into strategic advantages through responsible technological transformation.
Nazir et al. (Fri,) studied this question.