Validation of the Workplace Adaptation Questionnaire (WAQ) in Korea: Focusing on Learning in the Workplace

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to assess the validity and applicability of the Workplace Adaptation Questionnaire (WAQ) in the Korean context. A total of 458 cases were analyzed by employing exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and common-method variance. In addition, multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was performed to examine differences in workplace adaptation and learning aspects according to individual characteristics (e.g., gender, age, education level, job positions, job types, and work experience). The results indicated that our Korean version of WAQ could be applied in the Korean context. In terms of demographics, employees who were male, older, more highly educated, senior managers, and with longer work experience had significantly higher WAQ scores than their counterparts. Employees who are working in the manufacturing industry and research-related jobs had lower WAQ scores compared with employees in other sectors.