Decent work in Italy: Context, conceptualization, and assessment

The aim of this study is to explore the understanding of decent work in the Italian context and to examine the validity of the Italian version of the Decent Work Scale. Four hundred and thirty-six Italian workers were involved in the study. Dimensionality, reliability, and construct validity of the Decent Work Scale were analysed. Confirmatory factor analysis supported a bifactor model of the instrument consistent with the original version. In addition, solid evidence for internal consistency and validity was found. Results suggest that the Italian version of the Decent Work Scale is a valid instrument for measuring the construct of decent work in the Italian context. Furthermore the responses to an open-ended question were examined for a sub-sample of 246 participants in order to extend the quantitative findings and further clarify the nature of the construct in Italy. The qualitative analysis revealed components of decent work reflected in the original Decent Work Scale and others aligned with the broader Psychology of Working Framework/Theory (PWF/PWT). The quantitative and qualitative findings offer directions for future research and intervention.