Research Article

A Protocol for Advanced Psychometric Assessment of Surveys

Table 1

Dimensions in the ACT survey.

DimensionDefinitionNo. ItemsSample ItemScaling

LeadershipThe actions of formal leaders in an organization (unit) to influence change and excellence in practice, items generally reflect emotionally intelligent leadership6The leader calmly handles stressful situationsLikert Agreement:
(1) strongly disagree
(2) disagree
(3) neither agree or disagree
(4) agree
(5) strongly agree

CultureThe way that “we do things” in our organizations and work units; items generally reflect a supportive work culture6My organization effectively balances best practice and productivityLikert Agreement:
(1) strongly disagree
(2) disagree
(3) neither agree or disagree
(4) agree
(5) strongly agree

EvaluationThe process of using data to assess group/team performance and to achieve outcomes in organizations or units (i.e., evaluation)6Our team routinely monitors our performance with respect to the action plansLikert Agreement:
(1) strongly disagree
(2) disagree
(3) neither agree or disagree
(4) agree
(5) strongly agree

Social CapitalThe stock of active connections among people. These connections are of three types: bonding, bridging, and linking6People in the group share information with others in the groupLikert Agreement:
(1) strongly disagree
(2) disagree
(3) neither agree or disagree
(4) agree
(5) strongly agree

Informal
Interactions
Informal exchanges that occur between individuals working within an organization (unit) that can promote the transfer of knowledge7Someone who champions research and its use in practiceFrequency Scale:
(1) never
(2) rarely
(3) occasionally
(4) frequently
(5) almost always

Formal
Interactions
Formal exchanges that occur between individuals working within an organization (unit) through scheduled activities that can promote the transfer of knowledge5Team meetingsFrequency Scale:
(1) never
(2) rarely
(3) occasionally
(4) frequently
(5) almost always

Structural/
Electronic
Resources
The structural and electronic elements of an organization (unit) that facilitate the ability to assess and use knowledge11Notice boardsFrequency Scale:
(1) never
(2) rarely
(3) occasionally
(4) frequently
(5) almost always
(6) not available

Organizational
Slack:
Human
Resources
(Staffing)
The cushion of actual or potential resources which allows an organization (unit) to adapt successfully to internal pressures for adjustments or to external pressures for changes2Enough staff to deliver quality careLikert Agreement:
(1) strongly disagree
(2) disagree
(3) neither agree or disagree
(4) agree
(5) strongly agree

Organizational Slack: Space4Time to do something extra for patientsLikert Agreement:
(1) strongly disagree
(2) disagree
(3) neither agree or disagree
(4) agree
(5) strongly agree

Organizational Slack: Time3Use of designated spaceFrequency Scale:
(1) never
(2) rarely
(3) occasionally
(4) frequently
(5) almost always