Factorial validity of the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES) across occupational groups in Norway

Scand J Psychol. 2010 Aug;51(4):326-33. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-9450.2009.00770.x. Epub 2009 Dec 14.

Abstract

The present study investigated the factorial validity of the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES) among 1266 participants from ten different occupational groups. Confirmatory factor analyses of the total sample, as well as multi-group analyses and analyses of each of the ten occupational groups separately, indicated that a three-dimensional model of both the UWES-17 and the short version, UWES-9, provided a better fit to the data than a one- and two-dimensional model. The results of multi-group analyses and analyses of each of the groups separately, indicated that with a few exceptions, the three-factor model of work engagement provided the best fit. Results indicated factorial invariance and the internal consistencies were acceptable. The fit of the UWES-9 was slightly better than the UWES-17. It is concluded that the Norwegian short version may be recommended over the UWES-17.

Publication types

  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Factor Analysis, Statistical
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Norway
  • Personal Satisfaction
  • Psychometrics / methods
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Work / psychology*
  • Workplace / psychology*