The Psychometric Properties of the Psychological Work Immersion Scale: An ESEM vs ICM‑CFA Approach

Abstract

This study investigates the psychometric properties and measurement invariance of the Psychological Work Immersion Scale (PWIS) scale within global organisational contexts. Data were gathered from 19134 working adults in the US, the UK, the Middle East, Africa, and Australia. To determine the best-fitting factorial model, a series of traditional ICM-CFA and less restrictive ESEM models were estimated and systematically compared. The results showed that a bifactor ESEM model, with one general factor of overall psychological work immersion and nine specific factors (strategic connection, manager credibility, appreciative feedback, enabling environment, team relations, strength use, employee voice, recognition and rewards, personal development) fitted the data best, was reliable and showed strong measurement invariance across genders and levels of education. The results show that psychological work immersion is a multidimensional construct that is both a function of yet separate from a dynamic interaction between the nine performance-enhancing conditions or enablers. Therefore, The PWIS can be used to measure psychological work immersion validly and reliably and could be used to make meaningful latent mean comparisons between genders and different levels of education.