Readiness of IT organisations to implement Artificial Intelligence to support business processes in Gauteng Province, South Africa.

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a research field and more particularly studies pertaining to the readiness of organisations to implement AI. Although AI implementation has proliferated across industries, many organisations still struggle to successfully achieve their business goals, associated with AI and Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). This study attempts to close this gap, by conducting a deductive case study, and thematic analysis into the readiness of a Gauteng-based IT organisation to implement AI towards achieving their business goals, in line with the benefits associated with 4IR. To achieve this, the researcher draws on the Technology-Organisation-Environment (TOE) framework to reflect on the dimensions and group them into strategy, perception and awareness, challenges, and organisational culture, related to contextual factors. This paper reports on the outcomes of open-ended interviews and focus group discussions involving 31 participants across IT management, senior-, and junior technical staff, about the enabling and hindering factors of AI readiness. The study further offers insights and a research agenda to support IT managers and staff to make informed decisions towards increasing their readiness to implement AI