The Measurement of Effort-Reward Imbalance (ERI) at Work

Abstract

In this chapter, the measurement of the model of effort-reward imbalance (ERI) at work is presented in detail. Specifically, its assessment in terms of psychometrically validated scales representing the latent construct, the test of core hypotheses, and the two procedures of rating the self-reported data in terms of Likert-scaled items are described. This information applies to the original version and the short version of the ERI questionnaire. So far, psychometrically validated scales have been developed and applied in 14 languages. In addition, some critical methodological aspects are discussed, such as the reduced comparability of data due to the two rating procedure formats, the problem of critical thresholds of scales, and the challenges of trans-cultural applications of the instrument. The final part presents some suggestions for future measurement developments. Despite methodological limitations the ERI questionnaire has produced a substantial amount of new knowledge with relevance to science and policy.