Title:
LEAD YOURSELF, LOCALLY AND GLOBALLY: THE VALIDATION OF THE GERMAN SELF-LEADERSHIP QUESTIONNAIRE FOR USE IN THE UNITED STATES

Authors:
Sibylle Georgianna, Ph.D , Günter F. Müller, Ph.D , Sarah Hohmann, M.S. , and Melody Foley, M.S.

Abstract:
The current two studies empirically validated a multi-dimensional questionnaire of self-leadership. In study 1, a sample of 251 employees and students completed the German Self-leadership Questionnaire (GSLQ) that measures the use of (1) constructive thought self- leadership strategies (and associated sub-dimensions (1.1.) time and task management, (1.2.) self-activation, and (1.3.) goal-setting and pursuit), (2) natural reward self-leadership strategies (and associated sub-dimensions (2.1.) emotional regulation, and (2.2) self-motivation); (3) effective behavior self-leadership strategies (and associated sub-dimension (3.1.) behavior change and (3.2.) rewarding work environments); and physical vitality self-leadership strategies (and associated sub-dimensions (4.1.) physical exercise and (4.2) healthy nutrition). Explorative factor analyses yielded seven subdimensions with a total of 34 items to be included in a revised form of the German Self-leadership Questionnaire (RGSLQ). In study 2, 202 participants responded to the RGSLQ as well as to Houghton’s (2012) Abbreviated Self-Leadership Questionnaire (ASLQ). Confirmatory factor analyses of the RGSLQ lends support to self-leadership dimensions that are congruent with the ASLQ yet adds a dimension of self-activation. Satisfactory concurrent validity with the ASLQ (except of for the self-activation scale) and convergent validity with work satisfaction and life satisfaction, respectively, were established. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

Keywords:
Self-leadership, validation, questionnaire