Development and validation of the Entrepreneurial Job Demands Scale

The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a scale for measuring specific entrepreneurial job demands, over and above regular job demands. Scale content was based on extant literature search and interviews with ten entrepreneurs. Based on this information 14 items were developed. The factor structure, reliability and construct validity of the scale were examined in a sample of 291 entrepreneurs in The Netherlands. Findings demonstrate that the scale captured three dimensions of entrepreneurial job demands: ‘time demands’ (5 items), ‘uncertainty & risk’ (6 items), and ‘responsibility’ (3 items). The Entrepreneurial Job Demands Scale (EJDS) showed criterion validity in explaining work-related strain (positive relationship), and well-being (negative relationship) in a sample of 277 entrepreneurs over and above regular measures of job demands, e.g. emotional load, quantitative workload and task complexity. The conclusion is that including specific demands does seem to add to the explanation of work-related strain and well-being in entrepreneurs. The EJDS can be used as a tool for entrepreneurs, job coaches, and government institutions that want to monitor potential risk factors for strain, wellbeing and business success in entrepreneurs.