Identifying the dimensions of integrity: A confirmatory and discriminant validity analysis.

摘要

While Integrity tests have demonstrated significant predictive and concurrent validity, the meaning and structure of integrity test scores are not well understood. The purpose of the present investigation was to empirically verify the results of a previous study that used an inductive method to define integrity and identify its constituent dimensions (Green, 1999). Specifically, the present investigation used item analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, discriminant validity analysis, and an analysis of social desirability to test the validity of the five integrity dimensions identified by Green (1999): Concern for Others, Conscientiousness, Emotional Control, Fairness, and Honesty. Results confirmed that Integrity acts as a second-order factor with multiple first-order dimensions. Four of the hypothesized first-order dimensions were confirmed in the study: Concern for Others, Conscientiousness, Emotional Control, and Honesty. The inadequacy of the Fairness measures made it impossible to test the relationship of this fifth dimension to the Integrity construct. A discriminant validity analysis failed to support the Integrity dimensions by indicating that Anticipated Tenure was significantly related to the Integrity construct. Also investigated was the influence of social desirability. Results indicated that social desirability influenced, but did not destroy the factor structure of the Integrity construct. Future research into the semantic realm of integrity is suggested.