Abstract

This study aimed to examine the reliability and validity of the Multidimensional Workaholism Scale (MWS) among Korean employees. Evidence in terms of the reliability of internal consistency, measurement invariance tests, discriminant validity, and criterion-related validity support that the MWS is a valid and reliable measure of workaholism for Korean employees. First, the MWS showed good internal consistency coefficients among full-time Korean employees (N = 358). Second, measurement invariance analyses showed that a four-factor model (behavioral, cognitive, motivational, and emotional) also holds in the Korean sample, and factor loadings were equivalent between the Korean and the U.S. (N = 407) samples. Third, correlation analysis and a series of confirmatory factor analysis results provide discriminant validity evidence between the MWS and work engagement. Finally, a portion of the Korean sample (N= 228) provided data for criterion validity. Correlation analysis of the data showed that the MWS revealed the expected relationships with emotional exhaustion, work interfering with family, family interfering with work, and work hours. For the variables of job satisfaction, life satisfaction, and physical symptoms, the expected relationships with the MWS appear when work engagement was controlled for. Overall, this study suggested that the MWS is a valid and reliable measure of workaholism for Korean employees.