The Work Design Questionnaire: Spanish version and validation

The purpose of this study is to validate the Spanish version of the Work Design Questionnaire (WDQ; Morgeson & Humphrey, 2006). Employees from three Colombian samples completed the questionnaire (N = 831). Confirmatory factor analyses revealed a 21-factor structure (χ²/df ratio = 2.40, SRMR =.06, RMSEA =.04, CFI =.90) with adequate levels of convergent and discriminant validity. Additional support for construct validity was found from significant differences among different occupational groups (professional and nonprofessional, health-focused, commercial, and manufacturing workers). Furthermore, knowledge, social, and work context characteristics showed incremental validity over task characteristics on job satisfaction and perceived performance. Possible interpretations of these relationships are offered. It is concluded that the study provides evidence for the validity of a Spanish version of the scale, and presents further support for the generalization of the 21-factor structure of work design characteristics in different cultural settings.