TY - JOUR
T1 - The capability set for work
T2 - development and validation of a new questionnaire
AU - Abma, F.I.
AU - Brouwer, S.
AU - de Vries, H.J.
AU - Arends, I.
AU - Robroek, S.J.
AU - Cuijpers, M.P.J.
AU - van der Wilt, G.J.
AU - Bültmann, U.
AU - van der Klink, J.J.L.
N1 - Open Access
PY - 2016/1/1
Y1 - 2016/1/1
N2 - Objectives The aim of this study was to develop a questionnaire to measure work capabilities based on Amartya Sen's capability approach and evaluate its validity. Methods The development of the questionnaire was based on a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods: interviews, literature study, and an expert meeting. Additionally, in a survey, the validity was evaluated by means of hypotheses testing (using correlations and regression analyses). Results The questionnaire consists of a set of seven capability aspects for work. For each aspect, it is determined whether it is part of a worker's capability set, ie, when the aspect is considered valuable, is enabled in work, and is realized. The capability set was significantly correlated with work role functioning-flexibility demands (-0,187), work ability (-0.304), work performance (-0.282), worked hours (-0.073), sickness absence (yes/no) (0.098), and sickness absence days (0.105). The capability set and the overall capability item are significantly associated with all work outcomes (P<0.010). Conclusions The new capability set for work questionnaire appears to be a valid instrument to measure work capabilities. The questionnaire is unique because the items include the valued aspects of work and incorporate whether a worker is able to achieve what (s)he values in his/her work. The questionnaire can be used to evaluate the capability set of workers in organizations to identify aspects that need to be addressed in interventions.
AB - Objectives The aim of this study was to develop a questionnaire to measure work capabilities based on Amartya Sen's capability approach and evaluate its validity. Methods The development of the questionnaire was based on a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods: interviews, literature study, and an expert meeting. Additionally, in a survey, the validity was evaluated by means of hypotheses testing (using correlations and regression analyses). Results The questionnaire consists of a set of seven capability aspects for work. For each aspect, it is determined whether it is part of a worker's capability set, ie, when the aspect is considered valuable, is enabled in work, and is realized. The capability set was significantly correlated with work role functioning-flexibility demands (-0,187), work ability (-0.304), work performance (-0.282), worked hours (-0.073), sickness absence (yes/no) (0.098), and sickness absence days (0.105). The capability set and the overall capability item are significantly associated with all work outcomes (P<0.010). Conclusions The new capability set for work questionnaire appears to be a valid instrument to measure work capabilities. The questionnaire is unique because the items include the valued aspects of work and incorporate whether a worker is able to achieve what (s)he values in his/her work. The questionnaire can be used to evaluate the capability set of workers in organizations to identify aspects that need to be addressed in interventions.
KW - Amartya Sen
KW - capability approach
KW - questionnaire development
KW - sustainable employability
KW - HEALTH
U2 - 10.5271/sjweh.3532
DO - 10.5271/sjweh.3532
M3 - Article
C2 - 26618990
SN - 0355-3140
VL - 42
SP - 34
EP - 42
JO - Scandinavian Journal of Work Environment & Health
JF - Scandinavian Journal of Work Environment & Health
IS - 1
ER -