[The assessment of work-related stress in micro and small enterprises: a validation study of the instrument "CSL" (checklist on job-related stress)].

INTRODUCTION

Many studies investigated the importance of a correct assessment of work-related stress because of its large effects on work planning and work management. The aim of the present study is to demonstrate the psychometric validity of the CSL Checklist questionnaire for the assessment of work related stress regarding micro and small enterprises. This tool has been conceived to investigate the perception of stress in the workplace by workers.

METHOD

The questionnaire has been submitted to 1033 workers belonging to 136 firms differentiated by production sectors and sizes. In order to conduct these analysis, objective data were considered too.

RESULTS

The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), present three factors with a good internal consistency and reliability: "Organizational Culture" (alpha = .84), "Workload" (alpha = .76), and "Quality of relations and support" (alpha = .79). The Structural Equation Modelling confirms the goodness of the factorial solution (NNFI = 0,98; CFI = 0,99; RMSEA = 0,076). Good relations between the CSL dimensions and the organizational indicators have been observed (p < 0.01). Finally, the logistic regression shows how the Organizational Culture and Workload are good predictors of some of the organizational indicators like use of Proctective Equipment at Work and the number of work accidents.

CONCLUSIONS

Psychometric qualities of the CSL questionnaire are good. The CSL is a short and simple tool, useful to assess work-related stress regarding micro and small enterprises.