Psychometric validation of the self-compassion scale and the link of self-compassion to managerial flourishing in South Africa

BackgroundSelf-compassion is a critical personal resource that can assist managers in addressing the demands of their jobs and flourishing. This study investigated the factor validity, reliability, and measurement invariance of Neff's Self-Compassion Scale across genders and the association between self-compassion and managers' workplace flourishing using a person-centered approach.MethodManagers (N = 390) registered for postgraduate qualifications at business schools across South Africa participated in a cross-sectional survey. Participants completed an online questionnaire, which included the Self-Compassion Scale and the Flourishing-at-Work Scale-Short Form.ResultsThe results supported a bifactor exploratory structural equation model with one global factor and six well-defined subfactors of self-compassion. The measurement invariance of the scale was established across genders. Latent profile analysis identified four flourishing profiles: languishers, moderate languishers, moderate flourishers, and flourishers. Significant differences were found between the self-compassion of managers in these profiles. Flourishers reported the highest levels, while languishers reported the lowest levels of self-compassion.ConclusionsNeff's self-compassion scale is valid and reliable and should be retained in its original form. Self-compassion is closely linked with managers' flourishing and should be included in all management development programs to improve well-being. This may be an essential way to promote flourishing in organizations.