Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Malaysia.
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Malaysia.
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Malaysia.
Sunway University, Malaysia.
This study examines the relationship between talent management practices and employee engagement, as well as the moderating role of business analytics, and the subsequent impact on employee performance within the Abu Dhabi Police. Specifically, the research explores how talent attraction, retention, learning and development, and career management influence employee engagement, which in turn affects job performance. Drawing on Social Exchange Theory, Dynamic Capability Theory, and Aon Hewitt’s Employee Engagement Model, a quantitative research design was employed using a structured questionnaire distributed to senior officers across various departments. A total of 383 valid responses were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) via SmartPLS 3.3.9. The findings reveal that all four dimensions of talent management (talent attraction, talent retention, learning and development, and career management) have significant positive effects on employee engagement. Furthermore, employee engagement demonstrates a strong and significant influence on employee performance, underscoring its pivotal role in organizational effectiveness. The moderation analysis indicates that business analytics significantly strengthens the relationships between talent attraction, learning and development, career management, and employee engagement, though its moderating effect on talent retention was not statistically significant. The model explains 53.8% of the variance in employee engagement, indicating satisfactory predictive power. These findings contribute to the literature by integrating business analytics into the talent management–engagement–performance nexus, particularly within a public sector policing context. Practically, the results highlight the strategic importance of leveraging data-driven HRM practices to foster engagement and enhance performance. The results underscore the importance of talent management practices in enhancing job performance among Abu Dhabi Police officers. Business analytics plays a role in enhancing these outcomes, although its effect varies across different talent management dimensions. This study provides actionable insights for policymakers and HR leaders seeking to build agile, high-performing, and engaged workforces in dynamic environments.

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