Construct and Criterion Validity of the Dutch Workaholism Scale (DUWAS) Within the South African Financial Services Context

Abstract

This research investigated the construct and criterion validity of the English version of the Dutch Work Addiction Scale (DUWAS) within the South African financial services context (n = 345). A quantitative research approach with a cross-sectional design was utilized to determine the psychometric properties of the Dutch Work Addiction Scale (DUWAS-10). Confirmatory factor analysis was used with a latent variable modeling approach for the construct validity and a structural path model for criterion validity. One of the working compulsively items did not perform well and was omitted to establish a 9-item scale. Additionally, due to problematic discriminant validity between the working compulsively and working excessively factors, the results did not corroborate the expected two-factor structure. However, a revised second-order structure of the DUWAS showed an acceptable fit to the data indicating that an overall workaholism score is appropriate in this context. Furthermore, the results showed that workaholism had positive relationships with work overload, work hours, and burnout but negatively related to work engagement and organizational commitment. All in all, evidence suggested that an adapted 9-item version of the DUWAS performed well.