Discrete mathematics

Physics

Equivalence (formal languages)

Construct (python library)

Mathematics

Construct validity

Operationalization

Epistemology

Empirical research

Developmental psychology

Philosophy

Cognitive psychology

Artificial intelligence

Psychology

Economics

Psychometrics

Programming language

Theoretical definition

Scale (ratio)

Checklist

Computer science

Management science

Quantum mechanics

Conceptualization

Organizational Research Methods

We review contemporary best practice for developing and validating measures of constructs in the organizational sciences. The three basic steps in scale development are: (a) construct definition, (b) choosing operationalizations that match the construct definition, and (c) obtaining empirical evidence to confirm construct validity. While summarizing this 3-step process [i.e., Define-Operationalize-Confirm], we address many issues in establishing construct validity and provide a checklist for journal reviewers and authors when evaluating the validity of measures used in organizational research. Among other points, we pay special attention to construct conceptualization, acknowledging existing constructs, improving existing measures, multidimensional constructs, macro-level constructs, and the need for independent samples to confirm construct validity and measurement equivalence across subpopulations.

Construct Development and Validation in Three Practical Steps: Recommendations for Reviewers, Editors, and Authors