Development and validation of the entrepreneurial work ability scale

The main purpose of this study is to develop and validate a scale for measuring work ability among entrepreneurs. The Entrepreneurial Work Ability Scale (EWAS), consisting of eight items, was developed based on a thorough literature study and an elaborate analysis of its psychometric qualities. The factor structure, reliability, and criterion validity of the scale were examined in two studies using two separate samples (study 1 N = 2452, study 2 N = 201) of entrepreneurs in the Netherlands. Our results demonstrate that the newly developed scale is reliable, captures one factor, and shows criterion validity. As predicted, job demands uncertainty and risk, and workload, appeared to be negatively related to entrepreneurial work ability, while autonomy and personal resources were positively related to work ability. In turn, entrepreneurial work ability relates positively to entrepreneurial personal financial success and to personal fulfillment. From our empirical work, we conclude that the EWAS is a psychometrically sound instrument that can be used for further investigating determinants of entrepreneurial success within the theoretical framework of the Job Demands-Resources Model. Besides, the EWAS is a useful tool for entrepreneurs, business coaches, and institutions that want to help preserve and improve the work ability among entrepreneurs.