Wang, Y.; He, Q.; Xie, J. and Wang, Z. (2026) Formalization or improvisation: The influence of team mindfulness on team resilience. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 33(5), pp. 3516-3541. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose – The increasing unexpected contingencies make resilience indispensable for project teams. Drawn on input–process–outcome (IPO) framework, this study aims to investigate how and when team mindfulness (i.e. input) fosters team resilience (i.e. outcome) via team formalization and team improvisation (i.e. process) under boundary conditions of the shared mental model. Design/methodology/approach – By conducting a three-wave research design, this paper collects 312 questionaries from the Chinese construction industry. The proposed hypotheses were tested by hierarchical regression analysis and structural equation modeling. Findings – The results confirm that team mindfulness exerts a positive effect on team resilience. The positive relationship is mediated by team formalization and team improvisation. In addition, the shared mental model serves as a buffering moderator between team mindfulness and team resilience via team improvisation. Practical implications – This study suggests managers take appropriate interventions of mindfulness to foster team resilience. Making explicit procedures for risk management and taking improvisational action appropriately are also key processes for addressing crises. Originality/value – This study enriches the literature on the positive prediction effect of team mindfulness on team resilience. Combining team formalization with team improvisation, this study provides new alternatives for the process variables in the IPO framework. Furthermore, this paper reveals the "dark side" of the shared mental model on the relationship between team mindfulness and team resilience.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | ipo framework; shared mental model; team formalization; team improvisation; team mindfulness; team resilience |
| Index terms: | manager, boundary condition, regression analysis, mental model, methodology, research design, structural equation modelling, project team, construction industry, mindfulness, risk management |
| Subjects: | structural engineering, risk assessment, statistical analysis, practitioner, cognitive psychology, industry analysis, research methods, research design and methodology, project delivery, health conditions and diseases |
| Topics: | Engineering Principles, Risk Management, Roles and Professions, Research Practice, Project Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTA |
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