Abstract:
Background and Aim:
Although inroads are currently being made into research in the area of organisational energy, an exhaustive search of the literature has indicated that research into measurement instruments which are applicable in the South African context is scant, with two empirical studies having been conducted in South Africa on organisational energy (Derman, Barkhuizen, & Stanz, 2011; Lamberti, 2010). As there is minimal research into organisational energy measures which are most appropriate for use in the South African context, this study explores the reliability and validity of the Productive Energy Measure (PEM) (Bruch, Cole & Vogel, 2005) in the South African context. This study also adds to the existing knowledge on the Energy Scapes Profile (ESP) (Tosey & Llewellyn, 2002) in the South Africa.
Method:
A cross-sectional survey research design is followed with data being collected from employees (N=303) from South African institutions. The ESP (Tosey & Llewellyn, 2002), and the PEM (Cole, Bruch & Vogel, 2011) are administered. Exploratory Factor Analysis, Confirmatory Factor Analysis, construct equivalence item bias analyses, Analysis of Variance, Multivariate Analysis of Variance and Regression Analysis are applied.
Results:
Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of the ESP reveals that both a seven-factor and a one-factor model were inconclusive. Subsequent Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) reveals a one-factor structure. The theoretical sub-scales of the ESP show a high level of internal consistency.
The results of the CFA for the PEM clearly reveal a three-factor model. The three theoretical sub-scales show an excellent level of reliability. Statistically significant differences are found in the productive organisational energy levels of employees based on job level, home language, years in current job and the PEM dimensions.
Results of the regression analysis indicate that a statistically significant relationship exists between organisational energy and productive organisational energy. Practical Relevance:
As far as could be determined, this is the first study to make use of the PEM in South Africa. The study attempts to identify which measure of organisational energy is most appropriate for use in the South African context, and makes a contribution to the body of knowledge surrounding organisational energy measurement instruments in the South African context. Furthermore, the study of measures of organisational energy which can be applied in the South African context provides assistance to those interested in measuring organisational energy in the workplace.
