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Work Self-Efficacy Scale
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About Work Self-Efficacy Scale
Scale Name
Work Self-Efficacy Scale
Author Details
Pepe, S. J., Farnese, M. L., Avalone, F., and Vecchione, M.
Translation Availability
English

Background/Description
The Work Self-Efficacy Scale (WSES), introduced by Salvatore J. Pepe, Maria L. Farnese, Francesco Avalone, and Michele Vecchione in 2010, is a specialized psychological tool designed to measure an individual’s belief in their ability to perform work-related tasks effectively. Rooted in Albert Bandura’s concept of self-efficacy, a core component of social cognitive theory, the WSES assesses confidence across various occupational domains, such as task completion, problem-solving, and adaptability in professional settings. Published in the Revista de Psicología del Trabajo y de las Organizaciones, this scale was originally validated in Spanish and Italian cultural contexts, reflecting its intent to capture work self-efficacy across diverse workforces.
The WSES comprises 10 items, rated on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = “not at all confident” to 5 = “completely confident”), with scores ranging from 10 to 50. Higher scores indicate greater perceived competence in managing workplace demands. Unlike broader self-efficacy measures, the WSES is tailored to the occupational sphere, making it particularly useful for organizational psychologists, career counselors, and HR professionals seeking to enhance employee performance, training outcomes, or job satisfaction. Its concise format, taking just 5-10 minutes to complete, combined with its focus on practical work skills, positions it as an efficient tool for both research and applied settings. The scale’s cross-cultural validation in Spain and Italy, along with subsequent translations, underscores its relevance in global workplace studies.
Self-efficacy in work contexts is a powerful predictor of motivation, resilience, and success. The WSES provides a window into how employees perceive their capabilities, offering actionable insights for fostering confidence and addressing skill gaps. Its straightforward design and robust theoretical grounding make it a valuable asset in understanding and improving workplace dynamics.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain the copy: Secure the WSES from its original publication in Pepe et al. (2010) or authorized academic repositories, ensuring proper citation and ethical use.
- Explain the purpose: Inform participants that the scale assesses their confidence in performing work-related tasks, aiding in personal development or organizational planning.
- Provide instructions: Instruct participants to rate each of the 10 items based on their current level of confidence in workplace scenarios, using the 5-point scale, and encourage honest self-reflection.
- Approximate time: Allow approximately 5-10 minutes for completion, depending on the participant’s reading speed and engagement with the questions.
- Administer the scale: Present the WSES in a quiet, supportive environment—via paper or digital format—ensuring privacy to promote candid responses.
Reliability and Validity
The Work Self-Efficacy Scale demonstrates strong psychometric properties. Research by Pepe et al. (2010) confirmed high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha > 0.80), ensuring the scale’s reliability across different workplace settings. Its validity has been established through correlations with job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and career adaptability. Studies in both Spanish and Italian samples have supported the scale’s effectiveness in predicting workplace outcomes.
Available Versions
10-Items
Reference
Pepe, S. J., Farnese, M. L., Avalone, F., & Vecchione, M. (2010). Escala de Autoeficacia en el Trabajo y Escala de Autoeficacia para la Búsqueda de Empleo: Estudio de Validez en Contextos Culturales Español e Italiano. Revista de Psicología del Trabajo y de las Organizaciones, 26(3), 201-210.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Work Self-Efficacy Scale measure?
It assesses an employee’s confidence in handling job-related tasks, stress, and workplace challenges.
How is the scale scored?
Responses are rated on a Likert scale, with higher scores indicating greater self-efficacy at work.
Can this scale be used in different workplace settings?
Yes, it has been validated across different industries and cultural contexts.
Is the WSES available in English?
While originally developed in Spanish and Italian, translated versions may exist for research purposes.
Why is self-efficacy important in the workplace?
Higher self-efficacy is linked to better job performance, motivation, and career development.
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