Strengths use and deficit correction in organizations: Development and validation of a questionnaire

M. van Woerkom, K. Mostert, C. Els, A.B. Bakker, L. de Beer, S. Rothmann

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

122 Citations (Scopus)
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Abstract

Although the positive psychology tradition emphasizes the importance of a balanced approach regarding individual strengths and weaknesses, there is no valid instrument to measure these phenomena in organizations. The purpose of the present studies is to develop and validate an instrument that measures four dimensions, namely perceived organizational support (POS) for strengths use, POS for deficit correction, strengths use behaviour, and deficit correction behaviour. In study 1 and 2, the Strengths Use and Deficit COrrection (SUDCO) questionnaire was developed and tested for its factor structure, reliability, and convergent and criterion validity in two samples of South African employees (N = 338 and N = 361, respectively). In study 3, the convergent and criterion validity of the SUDCO were examined in a sample of Dutch engineers (N = 133). Results indicated that the intended dimensions of strengths use and deficit correction can be measured reliably with 24 items and showed convergent validity. Moreover, POS for strengths use and strengths use behaviour correlated positively with self- and manager-ratings of job performance, supporting the criterion validity of these scales. As expected, POS for deficit correction and deficit correction behaviour were unrelated to the performance ratings.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)960-975
JournalEuropean Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology
Volume25
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 6 Jun 2016

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