Abstract
Some researchers measure optimism by analysing explanations for hypothetical scenarios in explanatory style questionnaires.
The most commonly used instrument, the Attributional Style Questionnaire (ASQ), has been shown to predict success in business,
education and sport. However, these predictions were achieved by using composite scores of subscales. Our analysis of 15 measures
revealed the ASQ and many other explanatory style questionnaires have low internal consistency. Furthermore, the majority
of these measures use situations that have poor face validity for corporate applications, while some work-specific scenarios
are only relevant to narrow domains such as selling insurance. To fulfil the need for a work-related explanatory style measure
that could assess levels of optimism in any organizational setting, we developed the Workplace Explanations Survey (WES).
This 5-factor measure was tested on a sample of 341 individuals working in a range of organizations and it has good internal
consistency. We anticipate the WES will stimulate research into workplace optimism and provide clearer insights for optimism
training, thus boosting both individual and organizational success.
The most commonly used instrument, the Attributional Style Questionnaire (ASQ), has been shown to predict success in business,
education and sport. However, these predictions were achieved by using composite scores of subscales. Our analysis of 15 measures
revealed the ASQ and many other explanatory style questionnaires have low internal consistency. Furthermore, the majority
of these measures use situations that have poor face validity for corporate applications, while some work-specific scenarios
are only relevant to narrow domains such as selling insurance. To fulfil the need for a work-related explanatory style measure
that could assess levels of optimism in any organizational setting, we developed the Workplace Explanations Survey (WES).
This 5-factor measure was tested on a sample of 341 individuals working in a range of organizations and it has good internal
consistency. We anticipate the WES will stimulate research into workplace optimism and provide clearer insights for optimism
training, thus boosting both individual and organizational success.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Research Paper
- Pages 1-18
- DOI 10.1007/s10902-012-9336-4
- Authors
- Paul Smith, School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
- Peter Caputi, School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
- Nadia Crittenden, School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
- Journal Journal of Happiness Studies
- Online ISSN 1573-7780
- Print ISSN 1389-4978