The Interplay of Challenge-Hindrance-Appraisal and Self- Efficacy: Technostress and Remote Working Performance

Measures to contain the COVID-19 pandemic have caused many employees to work from home;a novel situation in which individuals used information systems (IS) more intensively to stay in touch with co-workers. This novel IS use situation affected individuals differently and resulted in both positive and negative outcomes. Recent calls for research advocate for clarification regarding the conceptualisation of appraisal, which explains different individual responses to objectively equal environments. In particular, challenge-hindrance-research does not differentiate between primary and secondary appraisal. Therefore, it remains unclear how individual capability beliefs, such as self-efficacy, affect challenge and hindrance IS use appraisal. We conduct an empirical study with 1,553 German employees to investigate these relationships and the positive and negative outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic. We find that challenge and hindrance IS use appraisal, and remote working self-efficacy are interconnected, yet different constructs. We find that self-efficacy is related to challenge IS use appraisal, rather than hindrance IS use appraisal. Further, challenge IS use appraisal is a driver for performance in a remote working environment. We conclude that there are stressful aspects of IS use that are not influenced by an individual's belief in their abilities. Our study emphasises the importance of remote working self-efficacy and IS use appraisal to mitigate techno-distress and increase performance during remote work.

Coping with environmental challenges: COVID-19 screening station design with standard operation procedure in Thailand

With the continuous need for COVID-19 testing in Thailand, the country lacks appropriate screening and sample-taking facilities. Based on an earlier functional prototype realized by the authors, this research aims to design, plan, and realize a screening station at a safe distance from healthcare facilities to protect those involved from coronavirus infection while the sample is being collected. The design, planning, and realization methodology combines design rationalization processes, including an expert survey based on a prototype analysis, a user survey of potential operators, and an SOP derivation based on government guidelines. Outcomes to improve the resulting station design allow later use changes, improved transportation, and speedier installation in the required locations. Results show the station design improved to the earlier prototype version, suggesting better operation flow and flexible usage, especially in rural regions where the need for isolated testing facilities is prevalent. The constructed screening station design is considered safe, operational, and suitable for implementation near healthcare facilities, offering a low risk of contamination and adaption to individual needs. Its long-lasting character and variable use also help improve health care facilities’ future pandemic preparedness. This research is funded through the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA).