Development and Validation of the Global Economic Security Scale

Abstract Economic security has been recognized as a key factor in shaping work-related positive functioning and performance. However, its measurement and validation properties in organizational settings have remained underexplored. This study examined the factor structure of a new 12-item measure of global economic security, assessed its validity among well-being and work outcomes, and tested its measurement invariance across income levels. An exploratory factor analysis ( N = 300) supported a three-factor structure—budget, savings, and future financial security—that explained 73% of the variance and demonstrated good fit (RMSEA = 0.085, TLI = 0.952, RMSR = 0.02). Using an international sample of employees ( N = 576), confirmatory factor analysis supported the same three-factor model (χ²(51) = 287.183, RMSEA = 0.090, CFI = 0.959, SRMR = 0.041), comprising budget, savings, and future financial security dimensions. Global economic security was found to significantly predict lower job stress (b = -0.10, p < .001), lower turnover intentions (b = -0.16, p < .01), and higher positive job-related affective well-being (b = 0.07, p < .001). Measurement invariance testing demonstrated that configural and metric invariance were achieved, while partial scalar invariance was established, allowing for valid comparisons across income groups. These findings provide strong empirical support for a new global measure of economic security as a reliable and valid construct in the workplace. Findings can be used to design and evaluate employee well-being and retention programs, and better focus human resource and organizational interventions on economic needs.