Team innovation behaviour: employees’ appraisals of new technology implementation and the mediating role of collective coping strategies

Purpose The implementation of smart technology, artificial intelligence, robotics and algorithms (STARA) is recognised as a driver of innovation in the construction industry. However, STARA implementation has also been found to present psychological challenges to employees that may affect their innovation performance. Adopting a transactional model of stress and coping, this study aims to examine the effect of construction employees’ appraisals of STARA implementation as either a challenge or a hindrance to team innovation behaviour. In addition, it explored the mediating role of collective coping strategies on this relationship. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from 487 employees in the European construction industry through an online questionnaire and analysed using structural equation modelling. Findings Construction employees’ appraisal of STARA implementation as a challenge positively influenced team innovation behaviour. Contrary to expectation, employees’ appraisal of STARA implementation as a hindrance was not significantly related to team innovation behaviour. Both collective problem- and emotion-focused coping strategies mediated the relationship between appraisals and team innovation behaviour. Practical implications To bolster team innovation, construction firms should foster a challenge appraisal mindset and facilitate both problem- and emotion-focused coping strategies as part of pursuing STARA implementation. Originality/value The study is the first to the authors’ knowledge to apply an established psychological theory of stress and coping in relation to STARA implementation and team innovation behaviour. The findings advance understanding of how psychological appraisals and coping mechanisms shape team innovation in technological disruptions such as STARA.