Psychometric Evaluation of Momentary Task Performance in Work Settings: Investigating the Factorial Structure on Different Levels of Analysis

This study investigates the structural validity of a German-language task performance scale adapted from Williams and Anderson (1991) using a daily diary design. Drawing on multilevel measurement models, we examine the factorial structure of the scale separately at the between-person and within-person level, as factor structures may diverge across levels of analysis. At the between-person level, prior research supports a unidimensional structure; at the within-person level, the dimensionality of task performance has not yet been empirically examined. A second aim is to evaluate the discriminant validity of task performance relative to need for competence at work (Deci et al., 2001), given that both constructs involve subjective evaluations of one's own task execution. We expect a two-factor structure but anticipate cross-loadings for items sharing an evaluative core centered on subjective performance appraisal. Approximately 400 participants will be recruited via an external panel provider. After completing a trait questionnaire, participants respond to five daily diary questionnaires covering two work situations per day, yielding a two-level data structure (situations nested within persons). The key indicators are 7 task performance items and 6 need for competence items. Analyses include multilevel confirmatory factor analyses with partially saturated model fit tests (Ryu & West, 2009) to evaluate level-specific fit. This pilot study is part of a larger research project on the relevance of momentary occupational roles in work settings.