This study examines the link between talent management
and the sustainability of Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) in
Bamenda Municipalities, using a mediation approach. Talent management
aspects—attraction, development, succession planning, retention, and
performance management were analyzed for their effect on organisational
sustainability. Using Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) estimation and Multiple
Correspondence Analysis (MCA), data from 545 MSMEs was collected via open-ended
questionnaires. Results indicate that talent attraction (coef 0.0678),
development (coef 0.125), retention (coef 0.0605), and performance management
(coef 0.0683) positively affect MSME sustainability. Succession planning exerts
a negative effect on sustainability of Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises
(coef -0.0405). Talent retention notably enhances environmental sustainability.
Firm age positively influences economic sustainability, while manager
experience negatively correlates with overall sustainability (coef -0.00454).
Small and medium-sized enterprises are less sustainable than micro-enterprises,
and female ownership shows no significant effect on MSMEs sustainability. The
study recommends strengthening talent development and retention strategies and
reevaluating succession planning strategies to boost MSME sustainability in
Bamenda, NWR of Cameroon.
