Motives for being temporary agency worker: validity study of one measure according to the self-determination theory

Although the importance of studying motivations is recognized, research about this subject, specifically addressing temporary agency workers (TAWs), has been limited and exploratory. In addition, the few existing studies are not theoretically robust. The present study focuses on the validity of one measure constructed to assess motivations of TAWs according to the Self-determination Theory (SDT), with a sample of 1,325 participants originating from the industry and services sectors in Portugal. Several statistical procedures were performed, namely the exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis and the convergent and discriminant analysis that includes examining the convergent and discriminant the factors validity of the proper measure conceptualized, as well as, the validity of this measure in relation with other constructs. The implications of these results are discussed ahead. Generally, they suggest the applicability of this measure to analyze in a more complex way the motivations for being TAW and the validity of this instrument to observe the relations between these motivations with workers well-being.