Title: Work symbolic motive scale: development and validation of a measure of affective investment at work

Authors: Chiara Fregonese; Andrea Caputo; Viviana Langher

Addresses: Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, 'Sapienza' University of Rome, Via degli Apuli, 1 – 00185 Rome, Italy ' Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, 'Sapienza' University of Rome, Via degli Apuli, 1 – 00185 Rome, Italy ' Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, 'Sapienza' University of Rome, Via degli Apuli, 1 – 00185 Rome, Italy

Abstract: The general aim of this paper is to propose a conceptualisation and an operational measure for affective investment and symbolic motives at work. The work-symbolic motive scale (Work-SMS) score provides a general measure of affective investment, conceived as an endowing process of gratifying qualities to the work context, sustained by the four symbolic motives of achievement, affiliation, power and autonomy. Two studies were conducted (N = 632) suggesting a final 12-item scale with a second-order factor model. Evidence for construct and convergent validity was collected and overall good internal consistency, test-retest reliability estimates and predictive validity after one month were verified.

Keywords: affective investment; affective symbolisation; career adaptability; validation; adjective scale; work self-efficacy; professional development; achievement; affiliation; power; autonomy; symbolic motive.

DOI: 10.1504/IJWOE.2018.097156

International Journal of Work Organisation and Emotion, 2018 Vol.9 No.4, pp.322 - 347

Received: 09 Aug 2017
Accepted: 05 Aug 2018
Published online: 02 Jan 2019 *

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