Development and initial validation of a hierarchically structured multidimensional scale of quality of working life

Background: Quality of working life (QWL) is widely recognized as a central domain of adult quality of life; however, conceptual fragmentation and reliance on satisfaction-based proxies have limited theoretical integration and robust measurement. This study formalizes QWL as a hierarchically structured, multidimensional construct and develops a stakeholder-grounded instrument to support comprehensive psychological assessment. Methods: Item development followed a bottom-up construct-elicitation approach using focus groups and Delphi procedures, yielding 48 items. The scale was administered to 407 employees from a large non-profit social services organization. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted using polychoric correlations and WLSMV estimation. Internal consistency, measurement invariance across sex, job tenure, and professional group, and convergent and discriminant validity were examined. Results: Analyses supported a six-factor structure organized under a higher-order QWL factor. The hierarchical model demonstrated acceptable fit, substantial standardized loadings, and high internal consistency. Configural and metric invariance were supported across groups, with generally acceptable scalar invariance. Correlation patterns provided evidence of convergent validity with engagement, job satisfaction, organizational support, and wellbeing, while supporting discriminant validity from personality traits and stress-related constructs. Conclusion: Findings provide initial evidence for a theoretically integrated and psychometrically robust QWL instrument, advancing conceptual clarity and offering a structured framework for research and applied organizational assessment.