Development of the Multidimensional Workaholism Scale (MWS) Japanese Edition and Examination of its Convergent, Discriminant, and Incremental Validity

Abstract

This study aimed to translate and validate the Multidimensional Workaholism Scale (MWS) for the Japanese population in two divided studies. The MWS has four dimensions—motivational, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral—with a correlated four‐factor model. In Study 1, we translated the MWS into Japanese using the back‐translation method. Next, 200 participants recruited by a research company answered the Japanese version of the MWS. An exploratory factor analysis of the collected data indicated four factors that were in line with the original scale. In the second survey, 316 different participants were recruited using the same method as in Study 1, and they responded to the MWS, WorkBat, Dutch Work Addiction Scale, work engagement, perfectionism, work–family conflict, and negative affect measures. At first, we tested different factorial models of the MWS through the confirmatory factor analysis and correlated the four‐factor model that indicated the best model fit. Next, the discriminant, convergent, and incremental validity of the MWS were tested in Study 2. In general, the Japanese version of the MWS has good validity and reliability. Finally, some of the results, implications, and limitations of this study are discussed.