Measuring the positive dimensions among health care workers: a contribution to the Italian validation of the UWES--Utrecht Work Engagement Scale
Pisanti, R.; Paplomatas, A.; Bertini, M.
Giornale Italiano di Medicina del Lavoro Ed Ergonomia 30(1 Suppl A): A111-A119
2008
ISSN/ISBN: 1592-7830 PMID: 18700486 Document Number: 620018
Engagement is defined as a positive, fulfilling, work-related state of mind that is characterized by vigor, dedication, and absorption. The main purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES). Data from a sample of health care workers (N=948) were used to test four propositions concerning dimensionality, internal consistency and construct validity. The UWES Italian version and the Multidimensional Organizational Health Questionnaire (MOHQ) were administered to the subjects (a subsample of 225 health care workers also completed the Maslach Burnout Inventory). The factorial structure has been examined through a series of Explorative Factor Analysis (AFE) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). As in the original version, we found a three factor solution. Internal consistency indexes were satisfactory. In addition, the correlations between UWES, MOHQ and MBI revealed a good construct validity. It is concluded that the Italian Version of the UWES has acceptable psychometric properties and that the instrument can be used in studies on positive organizational behavior.