Development and validation of the Rapport-Pro for investigative information-gathering contexts

Purpose This paper aims to present the development and validation of a new measure of rapport designed specifically for measuring attempts to build rapport in professional information-gathering contexts. Design/methodology/approach Guided by best practice recommendations and informed by a systematic review, the development of the “Rapport-Pro” followed three initial phases: (i) construct identification and item generation, (ii) pretesting and face validity assessment and (iii) expert evaluation and content validity. Following established scale development standards, two online studies examined the psychometric properties of the Rapport-Pro, considering its accuracy and appropriateness in measuring rapport in professional contexts. Findings Study 1 (n = 172) included the three initial development phases and a confirmatory factor analysis, which supported a second-order model where five rapport components loaded onto a higher-order rapport factor. Item response theory analysis further confirmed item discriminability and the reliability of the Rapport-Pro. Study 2 (n = 399) sought to replicate the findings from Study 1, suggesting good factorial and concurrent validity, while also examining construct validity by assessing the Rapport-Pro’s alignment with related constructs such as “active listening,” “trust” and “expertise” through convergent and discriminant validity checks. The successful replication of evidence supporting factorial and concurrent validity from Study 1 attests to the stability and effectiveness of the Rapport-Pro in detecting variations in rapport. Originality/value With evidence of factorial, construct, face, content and concurrent validity, the Rapport-Pro addresses theoretical gaps and practical needs, emerging as a robust instrument for assessing professional rapport and enhancing official guidelines, training and practice of rapport-building strategies.