Examining the Structure of Work Motivation: The Curious Case of Introjected Regulation

The Multidimensional Work Motivation Scale (MWMS) is a widely used measure of qualities of motivational experience in working contexts, but its item composition and number of factors have been called into question. In the present study, the MWMS was examined regarding its items, factor structure, and criterion validity in two Finnish working samples using exploratory structural equation modelling. The previously observed problematic nature of the approach-oriented introjection items was replicated. The approach-oriented introjection items created for the study exhibited similar problems. Removing approach-oriented items may improve the measurement of the introjected regulation factor; however, it also narrows the conceptual coverage of the measure and potentially biases associations with covariates. Among the factor structures, a six-factor model with amotivation, external material regulation, external social regulation, introjected regulation, identified regulation, and intrinsic motivation provided the best fit to self-determination theory’s motivation continuum regardless of item composition. Additionally, a seven-factor model with approach-oriented and avoidance-oriented introjected regulation dimensions as separate factors was promising, although hindered by challenges with the approach-oriented items. In conclusion, introjected regulation should be measured with both positive and negative aspects, and new items or modelling approaches may be needed to fully capture the multidimensionality of introjected regulation. The study’s strengths include its two separate samples and the use of advanced statistical methods. Limitations include reliance on self-reported data and the need for further validation in diverse samples.