Assessment of the validity of
Netemeyer et al.’s (1996) WFC
and FWC scales
Scott L. Boyar
Mitchell College of Business, University of South Alabama, Mobile,
Alabama, USA
Charles M. Carson
School of Business, Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
Donald C. Mosley Jr
Mitchell College of Business, University of South Alabama, Mobile,
Alabama, USA
Carl P. Maertz Jr
John Cook School of Business, Saint Louis University, St Louis,
Missouri, USA, and
Allison W. Pearson
Department of Management and Information Systems,
Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, USA
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of the current paper is to continue assessment of the construct and predictive
validity of the Netemeyer et al. Work Family Conflict (WFC) and Family Work Conflict (FWC) scales
while reassessing the scales for possible improvements.
Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected from workers in a poultry processing plant
to reassess Netemeyer et al.’s WFC and FWC scales. Carlson et al. were unable to include Netemeyer
et al.’s items in constructing and validating their new measures of WFC and FWC. This paper assesses
and extends the validation of the Netemeyer et al. scales.
Findings – This study supports the notion that a reduced model of both scales (four items for WFC
and three items for FWC) fit the data in the sample better than the original five-item measures
presented by Netemeyer et al. By deleting items from each scale more variation in the constructs was
accounted for and reduced unexplained error. By clarifying the measurement of WFC and FWC, the
substantive predictive model in the paper was supported. In addition, both WFC and FWC predicted
individuals’ intention to quit, indicating potential predictive validity for these modified scales.
Originality/value – While this is a reassessment of a previously used scale, the improvements in
functionality (decreased items needed for assessment) and potential for predictive validity of the
modified scales result in an exciting new avenue for WFC and FWC research.
Keywords Workplace, Family life, Conflict, Employee turnover
Paper type Research paper
There has been considerable interest over the past 15 years in studying the conflict
between work and family (Frone et al., 1997). One of the motivating factors influencing
this line of research is current demographic trends. For example, the growth rate for
IJCMA
17,1
34
Received February 2006
Accepted June 2006
International Journal of Conflict
Management
Vol. 17 No. 1, 2006
pp. 34-44
q Emerald Group Publishing Limited
1044-4068
DOI 10.1108/10444060610734163