The measurement of worker relations: the development of a three-component scale

Purpose
Healthy employee relations are important for individual well-being and are likely to contribute towards job satisfaction and other positive work outcomes. This paper discusses the importance of worker relations and proposes a new three-component model of worker relations which embraces the relationships that employees have with their co-workers, supervisor and the organisation.
Design/methodology/approach
A 20-item inventory was tested using data collected in a local authority (N=157) and led to the retention of nine items which were embodied in a scale for further evaluation. A second study using data using obtained in an Emergency Call Management Service (N=85) was used to further evaluate the factor structure of the scale and assess its predictive validity. A third study (N=70) provided further information on the measure.
Findings
The new nine item measure is a viable instrument with adequate reliability for assessing three levels of worker relations. In line with predictions, the three sub-scales (co-worker, supervisor and organisation) were positively correlated with job satisfaction and social relations.
Practical implications
The new scale provides a freely available and parsimonious alternative to existing measures of worker relations.
Originality/value
The paper considers the component aspects of worker relations before defining, theorising and developing a general purpose short instrument capable of quantitatively measuring worker relations.