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 A
