Differences in Attitudes Towards Time at Work: Validations of the Time Preferences at Work Scale

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to develop an instrument to measure differences in workers' preferences related to the passage of time at work. Previous research indicates that this construct may have implications for the effectiveness of work teams, as well as other work outcomes such as person-organization fit. However, current methods of measuring time preferences are incomplete. Using a ten-factor theoretical framework introduced by Brislin and Kim (2003), a comprehensive instrument was designed and validated. In the first step of the validation, content validity evidence and item quality were assessed, demonstrating that the items were of acceptable quality and content-appropriate. Construct validity was then assessed. Undergraduate students (N = 601) responded to the 186-item questionnaire, as well as a variety of personality and background items. Analyses were conducted in three stages. In the first stage, an exploratory factor analysis revealed a six-factor structure to the items. The second stage of analysis used confirmatory factor analysis to test this structure. Finally, convergent and discriminant validity were assessed. Overall, the findings suggest that this scale is psychometrically sound and suitable for use in organizations.