Using Computer-Aided Text Analysis to Elevate Constructs

A framework is applied to develop organizational-level operationalizations of individual-level constructs using the psychological capital construct as an example to facilitate construct elevation while ensuring proper validation.

Abstract

Applying individual-level constructs to higher levels of analysis can be a fruitful practice in organizational research. Although this practice is beneficial in developing and testing theory, there are measurement and validation concerns that, if improperly addressed, may threaten the validity and utility of the research. This article illustrates how computer-aided text analysis might be utilized to facilitate construct elevation while ensuring proper validation. Specifically, we apply a framework to develop organizational-level operationalizations of individual-level constructs using the psychological capital construct as an example.