Psychometric properties of the italian version of the Utrecht work engagement scale (UWES-9). A cross-cultural analysis

Work engagement may be defined as a positive, fulfilling, work-related psychological state characterized by the dimensions of vigor, dedication, and absorption. In this study, the psychometric properties of the Italian version of the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES-9) were investigated by using two samples of Italian (n = 668) and Dutch (n = 2213) white-collar employees. In addition to reliability analyses, we also conducted a series of multiple-group confirmatory factor analyses of the UWES-9. The validity of the UWES-9 was investigated by studying its correlations with the Job-Related Affective Well-Being Scale (JAWS) and with a measure of work performance. Results showed that a three-factor solution of the UWES-9 is invariant across the Italian and Dutch samples, with data supporting factor variance and covariance invariance in addition to metric invariance. Internal consistencies of the vigor, dedication, and absorption scales are good. The UWES-9 and its subscales show significant correlations in the expected direction with the JAWS and with work performance. The Italian version of the UWES-9 behaves consistently with its original Dutch version and may be used for future studies of work engagement.