Ravalier PhD Theis.pdf - Anglia Ruskin Research Online

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hypothesis testing is difficult to conduct. A first-order CFA of the seven-factor model of the MSIT as interpreted
from the management standards examined earlier gave a statistically significant chi-square value, with further fit
statistics indicating an acceptable level. Therefore the tool as demonstrated through the 7-factor model was found
to be statistically sound. In contrast, a first-order CFA conducted on an additional first-order model also exhibited a
statistically significant chi-square, with other goodness of fit statistics being poor and thus indicating that the
seven-factor model is the most appropriate for use. Finally a second-order CFA, which seeks to find an overall
factor as measured by the MSIT, was conducted in order to establish whether the scale contains a higher-order
factor. Edwards et al. (2008) hypothesised that the MSIT can be explained by seven first-order factors as described
above, and one second-order factor of overall general work-related stress. The second-order CFA confirmed this
hypothesis, indicating that the scale does look at seven first order factors and one overall second order factor of
work-related stress in general.
The MS were designed by the HSE using a qualitative approach which allowed bottom-up communication with
a number of stakeholders (Cousins, 2004). In addition to demonstrating that the MS were developed using strong
and in-depth methodologies, the bottom-up process is essential to the Appreciative Inquiry process due to the
inclination that both the MS development and the nature of AI are user-, or employee-, led. Therefore the
development of the MSIT for use in a bottom-up and user-led process fits nicely with the use of AI methodologies.
An important part of the MS is that organisations do not just make an assessment to see if they have a
problem in the workplace, but that they also work to eliminate or at least alleviate the potential outcomes for any
identified stressor (Cousins et al., 2004), and where possible the stressor its self. As earlier examined, AI is a
cyclical process which is about identifying working strengths (i.e. stress in the workplace), and identifying how