Construction and validation of an instrument to measure workplace bullying

Abstract

PurposeThis paper aims to develop and test an instrument to measure workplace bullying in the Thai context.Design/methodology/approachThe research has three phases. Phase 1 involved the development of an instrument and constructs/items as well as testing of content validity and reliability. Phase 2 used exploratory factor analysis to identify the appropriate constructs and items to be included in the instrument. Phase 3 consisted of confirmatory factor analyses to confirm that the measurement instrument built in this research is effective for measuring workplace bullying. Data were collected through interviews of experts and stakeholders in human resource (HR), and through online questionnaires completed by 340 HR employees in Thailand.FindingsResults revealed that workplace bullying can be classified into three types: work-related bullying, personal-related bullying and physical-related bullying. Findings confirmed the constructs using theoretical concepts and empirical evidence with values of χ2 = 120.473, df = 98, p = 0.061, χ2/df = 1.229, goodness of fit index = 0.961, adjusted goodness of fit index = 0.938, Tucker-Lewis Index = 0.992, comparative fit index = 0.994 and root mean square error of approximation = 0.026.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of this study add further knowledge to the field of organizational behaviour and could be valuable for developing management theories regarding building an effective work climate. The three types of workplace bullying (work-related, personal-related and physical-related bullying) can be studied as independent, dependent or mediating variables that can both influence and mediate. Results can be used to explain behavioural aspects of workplace bullying in clear and accurate terms.Practical implicationsThe developed instrument can accurately measure levels of workplace bullying behaviours of employees in different organizations with high levels of validity and reliability. Results can be used to develop interventions and guidelines for managing or reducing workplace bullying of employees. The instrument can also be used as a research tool for further studies of bullying behaviour.Social implicationsDiversity, equality and sustainability are characteristics of organizations that have developed an effective and happy work culture. Allowing workplace bullying to occur can negatively affect such a productive organizational climate. Therefore, the research findings have social implications in terms of their ability to monitor workplace, as well as community bullying.Originality/valueThe instrument to measure workplace bullying was developed and improved by blending Western concepts with interview data about workplace bullying behaviours experienced by HR employees in Thailand. The instrument can facilitate the measurement of employee bullying levels in companies and can contribute to future studies of bullying behaviours in organizations or workplaces.