How does generative AI creation capability affect employees' creativity: integrating the transactional theory of stress and personality traits lens

Purpose Drawing insights from the transactional theory of stress (TTS) and the personality traits lens, our study aims to develop an integrative theoretical framework to explore how employees with distinct personality traits of extraversion and conscientiousness appraise stress from generative AI (GenAI) creation capability. Design/methodology/approach A research model was developed to examine how employees appraise GenAI creation capability. A survey was conducted among 320 full-time employees who have used GenAI during work, and the structural equation modeling technique was used to examine the proposed research model. Findings The empirical research findings indicate that extraverted employees tend to appraise GenAI creation capability as a challenge, which further increases their creativity. The post-hoc analysis further reveals that the hindrance appraisal mediates the relationship between GenAI creation capability and creativity for conscientious employees. Research limitations/implications Despite the contributions of this study, there are several limitations. First, this study does not incorporate coping appraisals. Second, control variables cannot capture the complexity of individual differences in responding to GenAI-related stress. Third, we measured hindrance appraisal by calculating the inverse of challenge appraisal items, which may limit the detection of complex relationships between stressors and appraisals. Fourth, future studies can focus on older employees aged above 50. Practical implications Our study can provide guidelines for managers to promote the use of GenAI while mitigating potential stress for their employees. Originality/value Our study enriches the interpretation of TTS and personality traits in the context of GenAI.