The purpose of the study reported on in this chapter was to explore and attempt to answer the primary research question: To what extent can embracing business sustainability through digital transformation, implemented via unified communication and collaboration (UC&C) technologies, impact innovation and productivity in the global automotive sector? This will be presented against the background of embracing business sustainability through innovation and creativity in the service sector. Apart from creativity, collaboration, and generating savings featured in the subtitle of the chapter, changing work practices were also identified as a factor impacting innovation.
TopIntroduction
This section will introduce the general perspectives of the chapter and end by specifically stating the objectives. In the proceedings of the annual conference of the South African Institute of Computer Scientists and Information Technologists (SAICSIT), Bolton, Goosen and Kritzinger (2016) introduced enterprise digitization enablement through Unified Communication and Collaboration (UC&C) technologies.
As part of this book, the chapter intends to provide comprehensive research about embracing business sustainability through innovation and productivity, as well as creativity, in the service and automotive sectors.
According to Tyagi, Singh, Tyagi and Singh (2021, p. 1), the survival of businesses no longer only “depends on meeting demand but” on meeting the demand by ensuring that customers’ needs are met in terms of convenience and speed.
With ever-increasing pressure and competition towards organizational efficiency in the global automotive sector, like this book, the chapter aims to contribute to knowledge of various changing work practices. As a contributing chapter, this one will explore recommended topics and objectives selected from those suggested for the book and the target audience as indicated.
The contribution of the authors is expected to describe a case study and case examples about embracing business sustainability through innovation and productivity, as well as creativity. The findings discussed in a chapter on results and interpretation (Bolton, Goosen, & Kritzinger, 2022c) suggested that in the context of the global automotive sector case study subject, General Motors (GM), the digital transformation delivered through a combination of UC&C technologies promoted communication and collaboration between employees. A review of the digital transformation showed evidence of a significant shift in system and technology capabilities, underpinning upper-level employee communication and collaboration changing work practices.
Bolton, Goosen and Kritzinger (2022b, p. 71) indicated that General Motors as organization “represents an extensive global enterprise with many business functions that are common across” the automotive sector (finance, marketing, Information Technology (IT), “legal, Human Resources (HR), sales, manufacturing and product design).”
In line with the theme of the book, on Embracing Business Sustainability through Innovation and Creativity in Service Sector, this chapter will also report on developments related to e.g., tourism, hospitality, finance, IT, education, health and social care, online business and other service sectors.
From the recommended topics suggested for the book, this chapter will especially address the following:
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The age of creativity - people and organizations in the service sector
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Entrepreneurial nomads and changing work practices in the service sector
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Management of innovation in the service sector
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Disruptive innovation and contingency theory in the service sector
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The search for sustainable business excellence in the service sector
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The role of knowledge in creativity and innovation in the service sector, as well as
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Practicing creativity and innovation through charismatic/visionary leadership in the service sector
TopObjectives
The purpose of the study reported on in this chapter was to explore and attempt to answer the primary research question: To what extent can embracing business sustainability through digital transformation, implemented via unified communication and collaboration technologies, impact innovation and productivity in the global automotive sector? The theoretical design of the study generated four research questions that were used to guide the research processes of observation, analysis and evaluation of the research data.