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Construction and initial validation of the E-Work Life Scale to measure remote e-working

Christine Anne Grant (School of Psychological, Social and Behavioural Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry, UK)
Louise M. Wallace (The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK)
Peter C. Spurgeon (Warwick Medical School, The University of Warwick, Coventry, UK)
Carlo Tramontano (Centre for Advances in Behavioural Science, Coventry University, Coventry, UK)
Maria Charalampous (School of Psychological, Social and Behavioural Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry, UK)

Employee Relations

ISSN: 0142-5455

Article publication date: 30 October 2018

Issue publication date: 7 January 2019

7444

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop and provide initial validation for the new E-Work Life (EWL) Scale. This measure assesses a range of theoretically relevant aspects of the e-working experience related to four main areas: job effectiveness, relationship with the organisation, well-being and work-life balance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study presents structured item development. Internal validity and reliability were tested on a sample of 260 e-workers (65 per cent female, age range 25–74). Correlations of the EWL scale with a measure of general health were tested on a subsample of 119 workers to provide initial evidence of construct validity.

Findings

Exploratory factor analysis supported a 17-item scale assessing four factors: work-life interference, productivity, organisational trust and flexibility. Individual well-being was measured and a pattern of significant correlations against four factors as indicators of general health were found, including mental health and vitality.

Research limitations/implications

A new sample would confirm the strength of the EWL scale alongside further tests of validity. Coping strategies related to the scale would aid mapping of individual competencies for remote e-working to promote e-workers’ self-management, management style and organisational policy.

Practical implications

The EWL scale helps organisations to evaluate and support the well-being of remote e-workers. It provides measurement on three levels: individual, supervisory and organisational, whereby practical strategies for improvement can be linked to the scale.

Originality/value

The EWL scale completes a gap in the research by providing a measure aiding organisations to evaluate and support remote e-worker well-being.

Keywords

Citation

Grant, C.A., Wallace, L.M., Spurgeon, P.C., Tramontano, C. and Charalampous, M. (2019), "Construction and initial validation of the E-Work Life Scale to measure remote e-working", Employee Relations, Vol. 41 No. 1, pp. 16-33. https://doi.org/10.1108/ER-09-2017-0229

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited

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