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

Matolwandile Mtotywa, Smilo P Manqele, Thulani J Manqele, Mankodi Moitse, Modjadji A. Seabi and Nontando Mthethwa
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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

International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147-4478), 2022, vol. 11, issue 9, 265-279

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

Date: 2022
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