(Psychosocial Hazards Faced By Academics in the Working Environment: A Scale Development Study)

Abstract

Purpose – The aim of this study is to develop a valid and reliable psychosocial hazard assessment scale to determine the psychosocial hazards faced by academics. Design/methodology/approach – This research, based on the quantitative research method, was carried out with the survey method. The data were collected from 865 academicians working in university in Turkey. In order to apply Exploratory Factor analysis and Confirmatory factor analysis, the sample containing 865 participants was randomly divided into two equal groups, and EFA and CFA groups were formed. While Cronbach's alpha and composite reliability values were calculated for the reliability criterion of the scale, convergent and discriminant validity values were calculated for validity. Findings – The scale consists of 39 items and represents psychosocial hazards of seven factors: workload and work pace, organisational culture, job content, work and non-work life interaction, burnout, health, work programs. Dimensions named considering the literature; workload and work tempo, corporate culture, job content, work and non-work life interaction, burnout, health and work programs management dimensions. The total variance of the scale was found 65,039%. Cronbach's alpha results (alpha>0.8) of the Psychosocial Hazard Identification Scale (PST) sub-dimensions are at the "high reliability" level. It is at the “highly reliable” level only in the health dimension (.761). In composite reliability values, since the coefficient calculated for all dimensions is (CR>0.70), it can be stated that the combined reliability condition is met. As a result of the confirmatory factor analysis applied within the scope of the validity of the scale, it was concluded that the 7-factor structure was confirmed and the scale could be used to determine psychosocial hazards. Discussion – The developments and changes that have taken place in working life in recent years have led to an increased interest in the subject of health in the psychosocial dimension. Compulsory changes, especially in the way of working, cause the employees to be adversely affected psychosocially. It is considered important for employee health to determine the psychosocial hazards that cause these negative effects and to take measures to minimize the identified risks.