The heterogeneous impact of team faultlines on proactive behavior in the context of artificial intelligence: an information processing perspective

Purpose This study aims to investigate the impact of various types of team faultlines on individual proactive behavior. Using a questionnaire survey method, findings derived from 493 employees reveal the relationship between team faultlines and proactive behavior. Design/methodology/approach In the current dynamic and increasingly intricate global economic landscape, the work team stands as the fundamental unit responsible for executing tasks within firms, profoundly influencing their development and quality. Two contrasting perspectives posit that team faultlines can either diminish individual proactive behavior by reducing employees’ inclination to communicate or conversely stimulate proactive behavior by facilitating information exchange. Findings Information-based team faultlines significantly enhance individual proactive behavior; team information deep processing plays a crucial mediating role in the relationship between information-based team faultlines and individual proactive behavior; and artificial intelligence (AI) adoption notably moderates the negative effects of social-based faultlines on team information deep processing Originality/value This study delves into the substantial influence of team faultlines on proactive individual behaviors and explores the moderating role of AI adoption in the relationship between team faultlines and proactive behaviors, aiming to elucidate the underlying mechanisms shaping the influence of team faultlines on individual proactive behavior.