The psychometric properties of the experience of work and life circumstances questionnaire (WLQ)

Abstract

OBJECTIVE : The purpose of the study is to determine the psychometric properties of the Experience of Work and Life Circumstances Questionnaire (WLQ) in terms of its reliability, dimensionality and second-order structural validity. METHOD : The WLQ was administered to a sample of 217 employees working for the same automotive company in South Africa. The reliability of the WLQ was investigated by using Cronbach’s Alpha. The dimensionality of the scales was determined by using Exploratory Factor analysis to establish essential unidimensionality (single common factor). A bifactor analysis technique, namely the Schmid-Leiman analysis, was used to determine the homogeneity of the item content of scales that appeared multidimensional (data are consistent with both a unidimensional and multidimensional structure). The second-order structural validity of the WLQ investigated through confirmatory factor analysis. RESULTS : The results indicated a good reliability score for the WLQ’s scales, but preliminary evidence suggests the possibility of item bias in Scale C2 and C3 and therefore needs to be further investigated. It was found that the scales are essentially unidimensional, except for Scale B and C2 that showed evidence of multidimensionality. The WLQ achieved a good second-order structural validity. CONCLUSION : The results of this study indicate that the WLQ demonstrates adequate psychometric properties in relation to its internal consistency, the dimensionality of its scales and its second-order structural validity, with the exception of two scales that appear problematic and require further investigation.