Psychometric properties, measurement invariance, and construct validity of the subjective career success inventory

ABSTRACT With the increased scholarly interest in career success measurements, this study investigated the construct validity and measurement invariance of the Subjective Career Success Inventory. A sample of 736 South African employees participated in the study. Latent variable modelling was performed to estimate and sequentially compare several independent cluster models of confirmatory factor analysis (ICM-CFA) (i.e., unidimensional, first-factor, second-factor, and bifactor models). The results supported the construct validity for an eight-dimensional construct with acceptable convergent and discriminant validity. We found measurement invariance across gender. Task performance was related to the eight subjective career success dimensions, providing evidence of nomological validity. Key points What is already known about this topic: (1) The Subjective Career Success Inventory (SCSI) is increasingly being used to measure subjective career success, but studies reporting comprehensive psychometric properties for the SCSI are scarce. (2) Literature indicates various factorial permutations for the instrument, and limited validation studies have been conducted on the SCSI. (3) Although scholars have argued gender gaps in the experiences of career success, a thorough investigation of the SCSI has not been done to corroborate such differences. What this topic adds: (1) The eight-factor structure of the SCSI was confirmed within the South African context. (2) The SCSI demonstrated invariance between males and females. (3) Task performance was related to the eight SCSI dimensions, providing evidence of nomological validity.