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The perceived societal impact of the fourth industrial revolution in South Africa

Author

Listed:
  • Matolwandile Mtotywa

    (Tshwane School for Business and Society, Tshwane University of Technology,Pretoria, South Africa)

  • Smilo P Manqele

    (Business and Social Research Institute)

  • Thulani J Manqele

    (Business and Social Research Institute)

  • Mankodi Moitse

    (Chief Executive, Kagiso Development Trust, Johannesburg, 2090, South Africa)

  • Modjadji A. Seabi

    (Project Management Office Head, Kagiso Development Trust, Johannesburg, 2090, South Africa)

  • Nontando Mthethwa

    (Head: Public Affairs & Communications, Allan Gray Orbis Foundation, Johannesburg, 2090, South Africa)

Abstract

Societal impact reflects the changes that transform the society which affect the well-being of individuals and their families. This study aimed to understand the perceived societal impact of the fourth industrial revolution in South Africa. The investigation used an exploratory mixed research method, with six experts in round table discussion (focus group) and a survey questionnaire with 1,1105 responses. The findings of the study confirm the existential relational proposition that the fourth industrial revolution has a societal impact in South Africa. It is influenced by socio-demographic (province, age) and socio-economic (education and employment) factors. The findings also revealed that the perceived highest impact of fourth industrial revolution’s will be on improved re-industrialisation (RII = 68.6 percent), increase in work mobility (RII = 68.1 percent) and improved service delivery (65.1 percent). Regarding benefits, if correctly leveraged, these new disruptive technologies create a significant opportunity to leapfrog the advancements made in the previous industrial revolutions and help develop society. However, this might widen socio-economic gaps further, especially if there is no action to change the status quo of the highly unequal society in South Africa. Key Words:Societal impact, fourth industrial revolution, relative importance index, South Africa

Suggested Citation

  • Matolwandile Mtotywa & Smilo P Manqele & Thulani J Manqele & Mankodi Moitse & Modjadji A. Seabi & Nontando Mthethwa, 2022. "The perceived societal impact of the fourth industrial revolution in South Africa," International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147-4478), Center for the Strategic Studies in Business and Finance, vol. 11(9), pages 265-279, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:rbs:ijbrss:v:11:y:2022:i:9:p:265-279
    DOI: 10.20525/ijrbs.v11i9.2139
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jayant Menon & Anna Fink, 2019. "The Fourth Industrial Revolution and Its Implications for Regional Economic Integration in ASEAN," Journal of Asian Economic Integration, , vol. 1(1), pages 32-47, April.
    2. Eva Kuruczleki & Anita Pelle & Renata Laczi & Boglarka Fekete, 2016. "The Readiness of the European Union to Embrace the Fourth Industrial Revolution," Management, University of Primorska, Faculty of Management Koper, vol. 11(4), pages 327-347.
    3. Mohajan, Haradhan, 2021. "Third Industrial Revolution Brings Global Development," MPRA Paper 110972, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 28 Sep 2021.
    4. Ginger Zhe Jin, 2018. "Artificial Intelligence and Consumer Privacy," NBER Working Papers 24253, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
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