Determining the dimensionality and gender invariance of the MACE work-to-family enrichment scale using bifactor and approximate invariance tests

Abstract

larification. Research purpose: The main aim of our study was to get clarity on the dimensionality of the MACE-W2FE. The secondary aim was to test for approximate invariance of the measure for gender groups. Motivation for the study: Variations in the reported measurement models for the MACE-W2FE between studies are not conducive for theory development and called for clarification. Previous models reported were a multidimensional model and a second-order model. Approximate measurement invariance is a prerequisite for study differences between gender groups. Research approach/design and method: We did seek to resolve the problem by using bifactor model analysis, factor strength indices and local indicator misspecification analyses using a sample of 786 South African employees. Invariance was tested using the alignment optimisation method. Main findings: In this study, we solved a substantive research problem by determining that the data from the study best supported a single breadth factor or first-order factor model that was essentially unidimensional. The invariance tests across gender groups confirmed approximate configural, measurement and scalar invariances for the unidimensional model. Practical/managerial implications: Researchers and practitioners may include the MACE-W2FE in studies as a single-aggregated score without negligible loss in measurement precision. Contribution/value-add: The extended confirmatory factor analyses we conducted proved valuable in resolving the MACE-W2FE’s dimensionality vacillations, thereby enhancing the validity of inferences made from scale scores.

Keywords

• bifactor analysis
• gender invariance
• scale dimensionality
• factor strength indices
• local indicator misfit analysis
• approximate invariance testing
• mace work-to-family enrichment scale
• work-family enrichment
• method factors.