A psychometric evaluation of the 17 itemed Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES-17) in Uganda

Abstract

Purpose - This study aimed at the establishment of the psychometric properties of the UWES-17 itemed factorial structure.  This was done by examining the similarities and differences in  terms of model fit of the tri-factor model to a one-factor model.  

Design/methodology/approach - Using a cross-sectional design, confirmatory factor analysis was used to evaluate the 17-item uni-dimensional and the 17-item tri-factor UWES respectively on a sample of 323 Education Assistants (professional teachers) in Uganda. 

Findings - The study confirmed an 11 item tri-factor UWES-Ug as a reliable and parsimonious factor structure within this cohort.

Research limitations/implications - The sample was restricted to teachers and this limits the generalisability of the findings.

Practical implications - On account of these results, the study sample evidently attests to the fact that work engagement is best represented as a tri-factor construct in Ugandan context.  This study contributes to theory by confirmation of the three-factor structure of work engagement in developing countries through use of perceptual data from a Ugandan sample. 

Originality/value - This is a pioneer empirical study that validates the UWES 17 itemed scale in Uganda.