Reliability of an observational tool to assess the organization of work

Aim: This paper examines the reliability of an observational tool used to assess the organization of work. Scope: The utility of the tool was assessed through inter-item correlations (Spearman coefficients), inter- and intra-rater reliability (kappa statistics), factor analysis (principal components) and internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alpha). Conclusions: Results from the study indicated one global underlying dimension measured by the tool items. Inter- and intra-reliability was good to substantial among tool items. Results indicate this tool has good utility in assessing work organization. Relevance to industry: Research investigating the individual effects of work organization and its combined effects with physical workload has become an area of inquiry. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.