2003 IMTA Proceedings - International Military Testing Association

Analysis of the 18-item Scale
DISCUSSION
The factor structure obtained via EFA generally replicated the factor structure of the
18-item scale. Due to the orthogonal nature of the rotation, the results therefore indicated the
presence of 3 distinguishable factors. The Cronbach Alpha-coefficients obtained were also
consistent with those reported by Meyer et al (1993). Using CFA, the reasonable fit of the
data to the 18-item model confirms the findings of Meyer et al (1993) and Dunham et al
(1994). Given this, the results not only provide support for the 3-dimensional construct
definition of Organisational Commitment, but also on its cross-cultural applicability to an
Asian as well as a Military sample.
Organisational Variables & Work Variables
Only Meaningfulness/Satisfaction with Job and Relationship with peers and superiors
were found to predict AC significantly, accounting for about 48% of the variance. A
comparison of the standardised betas showed that the former is a more important factor
(about 4.5 times) than latter in predicting Affective Commitment. This finding is consistent
with those of Allen & Meyer (1993, 1997) & Cramer (1996) who found that employees with
a high level of emotional attachment to the organisation are also more likely to find their
work in the organisation meaningful and relevant, and at the same time enjoying a positive
relationship with their superiors and peers.
Only Meaningfulness/Satisfaction with Job predicted this form of Organisational
Commitment accounting for only 7% of the variance, an indication that there are other factors
not tested by the model. This finding is consistent with Meyer and Allen’s (1996) postulation
that the antecedents of CC include job status and benefits accruing from long years in service,
retirement benefits, opportunities for employment elsewhere, as well as the perceived
transferability of work skills; factors that were not part of our work variables.
‘Meaningfulness/Satisfaction with the job’, ‘Promotion opportunities’ and ‘Support
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45 th Annual Conference of the International Military Testing Association
Pensacola, Florida, 3-6 November 2003