The telework pet scale: Development and psychometric properties

Abstract

This study intended to develop and validate the Telework Pet Scale (TPS). This measure aims to evaluate relevant aspects of the e-working experience related to the human-animal bond. We conducted four studies. First, we conducted a study to develop the scale, then we conducted another one to explore its factorial structure (N=359). A third study served to analyze its internal validity and reliability (N=290). A fourth study analyzed the criterion validity of the TPS, by exploring its correlations with measures of health, affect, satisfaction, and performance (N= 320 teleworkers). The findings revealed that the 8-item scale accounted for a unique factor and that it is a reliable measure. Moreover, the results also showed that the scale was significantly related to measures of health, affect, satisfaction, and performance. The cross-sectional nature of the four studies is a limitation. The TPS completes a gap in the research by providing a measure that may support organizations to evaluate and support teleworkers’ needs and their subsequent satisfaction while teleworking. This research gives a step forward in the knowledge about telework and pet-owners perceived experience of it.