An exploratory study into the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on administration professionals in an Irish context

Doyle, Maisie (2020) An exploratory study into the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on administration professionals in an Irish context. Masters thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

This research examines the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) on administration professionals in in an Irish context. By exploring key drivers of change as result of this revolution, the research investigates the impact of automation and the emergence of the GIG economy on the job profiles of these professionals and their future skill requirements. Previous lines of investigation into this subject matter, such as that of Sousa and Rocha (2019), and Venter, Herbst and Iwu (2019), have been focused on skills implications for other professions or in an international context, highlighting a gap in literature regarding Irish administrative professionals.

Through exploration of the current literature and primary research conducted in the form of a survey a mixed methods analysis was undertaken, encompassing qualitative and quantitate research. The sample population, stemming from a variety of employment backgrounds, comprises of HR or line managers in Irish businesses, who manage and recruit administrative professionals. The research looks to establish trends relating to job displacement, role specifications, future work skills and learning and development (L&D) initiatives for administrative professionals.

The research concluded that administrative professionals will not be displaced as a result of technological advancement resulting from 4IR. However, there will be significant changes to the job specifications on these workers, with increased responsibility and greater task variety. Workplaces must put emphasis on the development of both hard and soft skills in the near future and current L&D initiatives must be re-evaluated in order to ensure future employability for these workers.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management > Human Resource Management H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > Issues of Labour and Work
Divisions:	School of Business > Master of Arts in Human Resource Management
Depositing User:	Dan English
Date Deposited:	01 Feb 2021 13:44
Last Modified:	01 Feb 2021 13:44
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/4590

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