Human resource managers’ perceptions on the impact of AI on the South African workforce

Abstract

Orientation: Organisations are undergoing digital transformation and incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into business processes and functions. The use of AI technologies, instead of people to perform specific low-level repetitive tasks has become common practice.

Research purpose: The research aimed to investigate the impact of AI technologies on the South African workforce, specifically from the perspective of senior human resource (HR) managers.

Motivation for the study: The adoption and implementation of AI, robotic process automation (RPA) and large language models, such as ChatGPT in a business, change the way personnel perform specific tasks, interact and participate in business processes.

Research approach/design and method: The study used a qualitative research design and a deductive approach. A survey with open-ended questions was conducted among senior HR managers working for leading manufacturing organisations and institutions in South Africa. Content analysis was used to analyse the responses.

Main findings: Human resource managers emphasised the importance of AI and RPA in remaining globally competitive and streamlining business and HR processes, highlighting the need to empower the workforce, identify ideal employee traits for AI and RPA integration and effectively manage these technologies within organisations.

Practical/managerial implications: The senior HR managers offered advice on how to manage the use of AI and RPA technologies in an organisation.

Contribution/value-add: The study highlights senior HR managers’ perceptions of the use and impact of AI and RPA in organisations in South Africa