Blurring Boundaries in Work Life: a Scale Development Study on the Perception of Right to Disconnect

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to develop a scale to assess the perceptions of employees regarding the Right to Disconnect, which is a legal right in many countries but has not yet been guaranteed by law in T & uuml;rkiye. In this context, this study is consisted of 4 studies. In Study 1 (N = 14), a semi-structured in-depth interview form was created based on literature review and expert opinions. Content analysis was used to transform the data obtained from the in-depth interviews into themes, and a draft scale consisting of 25 items was developed. The draft scale was reviewed by experts, and two items were eliminated. The 23-item scale was then pilot tested on 46 participants. In Study 2 (N = 275), exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted, and four items were eliminated. In Study 3 (N = 324), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed and one item was eliminated. As a result, the final 3-factor, 18-item Perception of Right to Disconnect Scale (PRDS) was developed. In Study 4 (N = 214), the final scale was tested using a model. Consequently, the scale was found to be valid and reliable. The fact that there is no scale in the literature regarding the Right to Disconnect makes this study unique. The use of this scale is important for policymakers, academics, and the business world to obtain data by revealing how the perception of being/not being accessible in business life is reflected in business outcomes.