Towards sustainable business in the automation era: Exploring its transformative impact from top management and employee perspective

In recent years, organisations are in a continuous race in search of business sustainability, becoming a fundamental pillar of the organisation. The aim is to be more effective and efficient by doing more with less by managing all the organisation's resources.

The ways in which organisations face these economic, social, and environmental challenges vary according to their activity. Globalisation has enabled economic growth, allowing the expansion of markets and access to goods and services worldwide. This has led to an increased level of global competition among organisations and the search for markets in which they have no competitors. In most cases they find markets with several players competing for a market with increasingly lower margins and trying to survive by seeking new competitive advantages.

Purpose

The priority objective is to analyse the owner vs employee's perception of artificial intelligence and how it impacts the relationship with the sustainability of the company. For this purpose, a Likert survey has been carried out, which is an effective tool to evaluate this type of perception in a quantitative way. Today it is a strategic area for organisations, and this perception and employee behaviour are key to its proper functioning.

Structure

The introductory section explains where the data comes from, explaining what is known, what is new and the aim of the work. This is followed by the research methodology applied, together with the criteria for selecting the data sets and categories. Finally, the conclusions section highlights the results obtained, their implications along with their limitations and possible future directions of the research.

Findings

Sustainability in organisations is important in the generation and application of ideas and a novel perspective that drives organisational growth and contributes to sustainability, maintaining a balance between the three main dimensions, economic, social, and environmental.

Innovation generates the creation of products, services or processes that reduce environmental impact, among others, promoting efficiency and the preservation of resources in the search for economic benefits. These technologies include green technologies, recycling strategies and renewable energies.

The use of advanced technologies by organisations in their quest to achieve higher levels of sustainability offers a range of benefits that would otherwise be inaccessible. The integration of tools such as artificial intelligence (AI) and automation into business processes not only optimises operational efficiency, but also contributes significantly to environmental and economic sustainability. These technologies facilitate data-driven decision-making, improve resource management, and reduce waste, which is crucial for sustainable development. In addition, AI and automation can play a vital role in identifying opportunities for sustainable innovation, enabling organisations to proactively adapt to changing market demands and environmental regulations. However, it is essential to consider the ethical and social implications of these technologies, especially in terms of labour impact and data privacy.

In this context, the need arises to explore the internal impact of AI and automation in organisations, specifically how these technologies are perceived by different actors within the company, such as owners and workers. To investigate this aspect, the use of Machine Learning Language Models (LLMs) represents a valuable methodological tool. By implementing LLMs, the aim is to compare the perceptions of owners and workers on several issues related to automation in the business environment. This includes aspects such as acceptance of the technology, perceived impact on productivity and well-being at work, and expectations regarding changes in work dynamics. This research could shed light on the discrepancies or overlaps in the perceptions of these groups, offering a deeper understanding of the socio-economic and cultural impact of automation and AI on organisations.

Discussion

Today, it is necessary to manage the acquisition, creation, and application of knowledge differently from the way it was done until the last century. The organisation must be creative as it is essential for subsistence and for the development of sustainable strategies. Today, disruptive changes in technology are happening almost continuously. The research has revealed important results in terms of the perception of automation in the business environment, highlighting differences and alignments in the perspectives of employees and business owners. Artificial intelligence is beginning to have a priority place in the structure of the organisation, where they replace employees or create symbiotic relationships with optimal results. This allows organisations to keep up with such a revolutionary environment, identify opportunities to optimise processes by automating processes, reducing waste, and promoting ethical and socially responsible business practices in a world increasingly concerned with these aspects.

Originality

The research in question, which uses a Machine Learning Language Model (LLM) such as ChatGPT to question perceptions of automation in a business environment, represents an innovative approach in the field of automation research. The use of an LLM to collect and analyse data offers a novel and efficient perspective, allowing for a more dynamic and in-depth analysis of the responses obtained. This methodology is distinguished by its ability to process and interpret a significant volume of qualitative data at a speed and with an accuracy that traditional survey methods cannot match. By using Likert-scale questions and analyzing responses from two different perspectives - that of business leaders and that of employees - the research addresses the complexity of perceptions of automation in a holistic manner. This dual approach allows us to identify not only the differences between these two groups, but also potential areas of alignment, providing a more nuanced view of how automation is perceived and experienced at different levels of the organisation.

The advantages of this methodology are multiple. Firstly, using an LLM such as ChatGPT to analyse survey responses allows for a more detailed and nuanced interpretation of the data, especially in terms of capturing and understanding the subtleties of language and emotions implicit in the responses. In addition, the ability to process large datasets quickly and efficiently facilitates broader and more representative analysis, which can lead to more robust and reliable conclusions. In practical terms, this approach can help organisations better understand the attitudes and concerns of their employees and leaders regarding automation, which in turn can inform more effective implementation and change management strategies. It also provides valuable insights for the development of policies and practices that encourage a more harmonious and ethical integration of automation in the workplace, maximising its benefits while minimising potential negative impacts on staff.

Practical implications

Studies on the perception of automation in the business context, both from the point of view of employees and owners, underline the need for adapted and differentiated approaches to integrating automation in the workplace. It highlights the divergent needs and concerns of these groups, suggesting that automation implementation strategies should not only focus on operational efficiency, but also address employee concerns about job security and the relevance of skills. This includes integrating training and professional development as key components of automation programmes, making sure that employees feel equipped and valued in the evolving automated workspace. In addition, the results highlight the importance of effective and transparent communication about the goals and impacts of automation and advocate the joint involvement of employees and managers in the design and implementation of automated solutions. Taken as a whole, the study emphasises the need for holistic and empathetic management of automation in organisations, viewing technology to improve the working environment and support employees' professional growth.