Facing organizational crises: The importance of validating psychological capital scale using Angolan sample

Abstract Purpose: The main goal of this study was to validate the Angolan version of the PCQ-24, using samples of employees who develop their work in adverse situations and need to deal daily with different constraints in their work environment. Originality/value: Although several studies have confirmed the factorial validity of the psychological capital scale in different countries, this is a pioneering validation study of psychological capital in Angola, using two independent samples (sample 1 = 478 employees, and sample 2 = 200 employees). Design/methodology/approach: The present study uses a quantitative methodology. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test the five competing models reported in previous studies with cultures similar to Angola (e.g., Portugal and Brazil). Findings: Contrary to previous findings in studies performed in countries with cultures similar to Angola, the results show that the 4-factor model had a better fit for the data. The discriminant validity of the psychological capital scale was confirmed by performing the correlation analysis with internal learning. Validation of the psychological capital scale in Angola may provide managers with tools to assess and develop the psychological capabilities of their employees. The validation of the psychological capital scale may contribute to the organizational assessment processes in an uncertain context.