The PSC-4; A Short PSC Tool

Abstract

The aim of this chapter is to introduce the PSC-4 short tool created as a parsimonious measure of PSC, with the same domain coverage as the PSC-12 (canvassing the four domains of PSC), that could be used in research and practice with only four items. This chapter describes the evolution of the PSC concept and assessment tools, beginning with the original short 4-item scale that canvased limited constructs, the development of the PSC-27 with increased domain coverage in terms of quantity and depth, refinement to the PSC-12, and then the development of the PSC-4 measure. In Study 1, starting with theory we consider the item in each of the four dimensions of PSC that best reflects the underlying theoretical construct. Then using cross-sectional and longitudinal data from the Australian Workplace Barometer telephone interview study we test the psychometrics of the four-item scale against competing scale constellations. We also assess the validity of the scale in a nomological network of theoretical concepts involving PSC. Next in Study 2, in an omnibus population study (n = 2732) using face to face interviews, we assessed the PSC-4 and then assessed reliability and validity of the tool, and how PSC related to mental health treatment. In Study 3, since PSC is proposed as a multilevel concept we sought to verify the multilevel factor structure of the PSC-4, this time using AWB multilevel data (31 organisations, 220 employees). PSC-4 psychometrics and predictive validity are as good as the PSC-12, implying support for the use of the parsimonious PSC-4 in research and practice.