Employee Transfer Practices in Indonesia: An Integrative Review and Framework for the Employee Transfer Process

Abstract

This study synthesizes empirical findings and statutory provisions to develop a coherent understanding of employee transfer practices in Indonesian organizations and to examine their relevance to organizational adaptability. An integrative literature review of eighteen empirical and conceptual studies published between 2020 and 2025 was conducted, supported by thematic synthesis to identify dominant patterns, inconsistencies, and conceptual gaps in the implementation of employee transfer. The findings indicate that employee transfer contributes to improved performance, capability development, and smoother adjustment when it is supported by competency-based placement, transparent procedures, and effective leadership communication. Despite these recurring patterns, the majority of existing studies examine employee transfer through fragmented variables such as performance, motivation, fairness, or leadership, and rarely conceptualize transfer as a strategic mechanism for enhancing organizational adaptability. This study addresses this gap by positioning employee transfer as a multidimensional governance process shaped by legal, organizational, and behavioural factors, and proposes an integrative Employee Transfer Framework that links input conditions, transfer process mechanisms, and strategic outcomes to support aligned decision-making, organizational flexibility, and sustainable workforce performance.