An elaboration of the internal structure of the unit performance construct as measured by the Performance Index (PI)

Abstract

The objective of this study is to respond to the suggestions made by Henning, Theron and Spangenberg (2003) by proposing a theoretically meaningful refinement of the original unit performance model, and to subsequently test the improved model with data. This forms part of a larger study with the objective of validating the Leadership Behaviour Inventory (LBI) (Spangenberg and Theron, 2002b) against work unit performance. The validation sample, after imputation, consisted of 273 cases with observations on all 56 items. Item analysis and dimensionality analysis were performed on each of the sub-scales, using SPSS. Thereafter, confirmatory factor analysis was performed on the reduced measurement model set, using LISREL. The results indicated satisfactory factor loadings on the measurement model. Acceptable model fit was achieved. Subsequently, the elaborated structural model was tested, using LISREL. The model produced satisfactory fit indices. Only five of nineteen hypotheses failed to be corroborated in this study. Results are discussed, and suggestions for further research are made.