Psychometric Properties and Measurement Invariance of a Short Form of the Unified Multidimensional Calling Scale (UMCS)

This paper reports on the development of a unidimensional short scale for measuring career calling (UMCS-7). The scale has been developed drawing from the theoretical model behind the Unified Multidimensional Calling Scale (UMCS: Vianello et al., 2018), according to which calling is composed of Passion, Prosociality, Purpose, Pervasiveness, Sacrifice, Transcendent Summons, and Identity. The UMCS-7 integrates classical and modern conceptualizations of career calling and can be used when time constraints prevent using the UMCS. The UMCS-7 has been validated in a sample of Italian workers (N = 1,246) using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. A sample of US employees (N = 165) was used to estimate measurement invariance across languages, establishing the equivalence of factor loadings, all but two intercepts, and all error variances. The UMCS-7 demonstrated nearly perfect convergent validity with the UMCS (r = .97), excellent internal consistency (alpha(Italy) = .86; alpha(US) = .87), and satisfactory concurrent validity with job satisfaction, life satisfaction, and turnover intentions.