Impact of task-technology fit on proactive behavior: boredom at work and core self-evaluation effects

Purpose – Against the backdrop of corporate digital transformation, this study aims to explore the mechanism through which task-technology fit (TTF) influences employee proactive behavior (PB), based on the conservation of resources (COR) theory, with a focus on the mediating role of boredom at work (BW) and the moderating role of core self-evaluation (CSE). Design/methodology/approach – A three-wave time-lagged survey was conducted among 419 employees from diverse Chinese organizations. Hierarchical regression, bootstrap mediation testing and conditional process modeling were used for data analysis. Findings – TTF has a significant positive linear relationship with employee PB; BW partially mediates this relationship. CSE moderates the relationship between BW and PB, weakening the inhibitory effect of BW on employee PB. Practical implications – Organizations should optimize TTF through training and talent matching, mitigate work boredom by enhancing task challenge and value employees with high CSE to promote PB during digital transformation. Originality/value – This study extends TTF theory to the research field of employee PB, constructs a multilevel mechanism where job attribute affects emotional experience, which in turn affects individual traits, and enriches the contextual application of COR theory in digital transformation.