The evaluation of a new multidimensional job insecurity measure in a Chinese context

Stress Health. 2021 Feb;37(1):32-44. doi: 10.1002/smi.2970. Epub 2020 Jul 16.

Abstract

This study examines the psychometric properties of a new multidimensional job insecurity measure (JIM) by O'Neill and Sevastos in a Chinese context. Overall, the results corroborate the construct validity, reliability and criterion-related validity of the JIM. Based on the results of the exploratory factor analysis, the new scale has 15 items and three items were removed from the dimensions of job loss and job change because of differences in culture and understanding between Chinese and Western employees. Additionally, the relationship between job insecurity and theoretically viable antecedents (three different types of conflicts) and outcomes (i.e., job satisfaction and counterproductive work behaviour) were also examined, and the results show that the three conflicts are effective predictors of job insecurity and job insecurity is predictor of outcomes variables. All findings show that this new JIM is more parsimonious and more effective in assessing job insecurity in the Chinese context.

Keywords: Chinese context; antecedents and outcomes; criterion-related validity; job insecurity measure.

MeSH terms

  • China
  • Employment* / psychology
  • Factor Analysis, Statistical
  • Humans
  • Psychometrics
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Surveys and Questionnaires*