Assessing entrepreneurial calling in Hungary: An investigation of the psychometric properties of the Calling Scale (CS)

Research on calling has grown as people seek meaningful frameworks for work. We validated the 12-item Calling Scale (CS; Dobrow & Tosti-Kharas, 2011) for Hungarian entrepreneurs ( n = 327). The adaptation examined validity, reliability, and unidimensionality while preserving comparability with prior Italian and Spanish validations. Convergent and discriminant validity were assessed via correlations and SEM using work-meaning and burnout constructs; reliability was good (Cronbach's alpha = 0.90). Confirmatory factor analysis indicated mixed fit - elevated RMSEA alongside satisfactory CFI - and supported a unidimensional solution. Item response theory (IRT) showed strong discrimination overall but reduced precision at higher calling levels due to ceiling-prone response patterns, clarifying where the instrument is most versus least informative for entrepreneurs. The MIMIC-based DIF analysis showed that the entrepreneurial groups did not differ meaningfully in their latent levels of Calling once DIF was adjusted. Taken together, the results confirm sound psychometric properties and appropriate relationships with validating constructs, extending CS evidence to a new language and an entrepreneurial population. The validated Hungarian CS offers a context-appropriate, comparable tool for research on entrepreneurial calling and a basis for cumulative cross-context work. • The Hungarian Calling Scale adaptation shows good psychometric properties. • The scale aligns with Spanish and Italian versions, confirming its reliability. • Modern test theory revealed the need for additional items for higher calling levels. • This study expands the understanding of calling in the entrepreneurial context.