The social dynamics of attracting talent in Halifax |
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Authors: | JILL L GRANT KARIN KRONSTAL |
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Institution: | School of Planning, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3J 2X4 |
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Abstract: | The paper reports a case study of factors attracting and retaining talented and creative workers in Halifax, Nova Scotia. All categories of workers interviewed mentioned quality of place and amenities in discussing their location preferences, but that could not fully explain their choices. For some occupations (like health research), talented people followed jobs; in other sectors (like music), talented workers migrated to a sympathetic locale with the right conditions for creative engagement; creative workers in some occupations (like those in architectural, engineering or planning consulting) were more rooted in place. The social dynamics—that is, positive and collaborative social networks within key sectors and a wider community perceived as welcoming and interesting—make this mid‐sized city attractive to talented workers. Local universities and a vibrant music scene generate a mutually reinforcing context that attracted mobile talented and creative workers to the city. Respondents noted Halifax's limited cultural diversity but did not report a perceived lack of tolerance as affecting their choices. In smaller cities, the social dynamics of place and workplace and the quality of life available may play more significant roles than tolerance in attracting and retaining talented workers, challenging a basic assumption of creative cities discourse. |
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Keywords: | talent attraction Halifax creative class music health research sector consulting universities attraction des talents Halifax classe cré ative musique secteur de la recherche en santé services de conseil université s |
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