A fourth industrial revolution integrated intelligence taxonomy for top management

• Published in: Journal of Contemporary Management 2023-01, Vol.20 (1), p.404-443
• Main Authors: Oosthuizen, Jacobus Hendrik, Ungerer, Marius, Volschenk, Jako
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cognitive disposition; Fourth industrial revolution; intelligence; Social Issues; Top management
• ISSN: 1815-7440
• DOI: 10.35683/jcm1018.202

Background: Socioeconomic transformation driven by technological advancement has become more significant in scale, scope, and complexity, so much so that the term fourth industrial revolution (4IR) has been ascribed to this era. The velocity, breadth and depth, and systems impact of the 4IR is unlike anything humankind has experienced. Thus, how should organisational leaders orientate themselves to navigate through the 4IR, which includes a future characterised by ever-increasing technological advancement?Purpose of the study: Leadership and management practices are not keeping pace with advancements in theory and application comparable to the 4IR's exponential advancement. Although various studies related to leadership and management in the 4IR have emerged in recent times, a theory and practice gap from a topmanagement intelligence (cognitive disposition) perspective remains. This paper aims to establish an integrated intelligence taxonomy for top management to navigate the 4IR.Design/methodology/approach: Drawing on insights of global experts, the Delphi method was applied to develop categories of intelligence that reveal the essence of what is required to address the challenges of the 4IR. Accordingly, three iterative rounds of inquiry were conducted with experts until a consensus was achieved.Findings: Nine themes emerged from the Delphi study that constitute a 4IR integrated intelligence taxonomy. These were categorised by means of a conceptualised intelligence theme descriptor: complexity intelligence; inquiry intelligence; critical intelligence; futures intelligence; adaptive intelligence; creative intelligence; emotional intelligence; ethical intelligence; and collaborative intelligence.Managerial implications: This study offers insight to practitioners concerning the context and critical issues associated with the 4IR and the cognitive disposition required from a management and leadership practice perspective so as to effectively navigate the 4IR. It further contributes to serving as a reference point to measure performance in relation to the nine integrated intelligence typologies. This allows for the identification of competence gaps and need-specific developmental interventions.